{"id":1795386,"date":"2026-02-26T15:32:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:32:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1795386"},"modified":"2026-02-26T15:32:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:32:31","slug":"south-africans-tricked-into-fighting-russias-war-in-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1795386","title":{"rendered":"South Africans tricked into fighting Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76133515_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59SJ6<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76133515_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76133515_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76133515_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76133515_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">The negotiations are taking place in Geneva amid tight security<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: Pierre Albouy\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx h1du6kc5 lt5vbch pohyj9x s16w0xvi m1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> said drones and missiles targeted eight separate regions overnight<\/li>\n<li>Another round of US-brokered talks passed without obvious movement in Geneva<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kenya\/t-19038344\">Kenya<\/a> arrests a man accused of tricking people to go to Russia with promises of skilled work, only to end up on the front lines in Ukraine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Stay tuned for more updates on or connected to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<\/a> on February 26, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76143316\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-liveblog-post-76143316\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section South Africa says 2 citizens died in Ukraine fighting for Russia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/26\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 26, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">South Africa says 2 citizens died in Ukraine fighting for Russia<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola on Thursday said that at least two <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/south-africa\/t-46830055\">South African<\/a> nationals had died fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine after being tricked into traveling there by a recruitment scheme.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s the first time South African authorities have confirmed the deaths in combat of any of their citizens who were allegedly lured to Russia with false promises of employment or training.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lamola did not name the individuals or say when they had died, but said that their familites had been informed.<\/p>\n<p>The minister had traveled to the east coast city of Durban to visit the families of 11 South Africans who returned home on Wednesday after they were allegedly recruited in a\u00a0scheme promising them security training.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He said another four men caught up in the same scheme had been previously repatriated while two more remained in Russia with &#8220;severe injuries.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 South Africans tricked into fighting Russia's war in Ukraine\" class=\"headline\">South Africans tricked into fighting Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-75023322\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"75023322\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75021339_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:56\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20251204_SA-RUSSIA_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59UM0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76143308\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-liveblog-post-76143308\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Zelenskyy anticipates next trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi in early March<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/26\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 26, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Zelenskyy anticipates next trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi in early March<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Urkainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> said on Thursday evening that the latest talks in Geneva meant there was &#8220;more readiness&#8221; for the next round of trilateral talks with Russia.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a result of today&#8217;s meetings, there is already more readiness for the next trilateral format,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Most likely, the next meeting will be in the Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi. We expect the format to be in early March.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59ULs<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76143307\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-liveblog-post-76143307\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Russia indicates it&#8217;s in no hurry to halt fighting, only confirms talking to US<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/26\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 26, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Russia indicates it&#8217;s in no hurry to halt fighting, only confirms talking to US<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state media that Russia had no &#8220;deadlines&#8221; for bringing an end to fighting in Ukraine or striking some kind of deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Have you heard anything from us about deadlines? We have no deadlines, we have tasks. We are getting them done,&#8221; Lavrov said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev was also present in Geneva on Thursday, and according to state news agency RIA, he spoke with US officials. RIA reported that he declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, other Kremlin-aligned media reported that Dmitriev also declined to comment on\u00a0whether he also spoke with Ukrainian negotiators in Geneva.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59ULr<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76143291\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-liveblog-post-76143291\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Geneva talks conclude after talks between Umerov and US officials<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/26\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 26, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Geneva talks conclude after talks between Umerov and US officials<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>US and Ukrainian officials concluded their talks at Geneva&#8217;s Hotel des Bergues on Thursday, with each delegation seen leaving the negotiating venue.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Today in Geneva we continue our work within the framework of the negotiation process. A bilateral meeting with the American delegation has begun &#8212; with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,&#8221; Ukrainian lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said earlier.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine aims to &#8220;synchronize positions&#8221; with the US ahead of fresh trilateral talks in March, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59ULb<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76137214\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-liveblog-post-76137214\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Kenya arrests man accused of tricking people into fighting for Russia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/26\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 26, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Kenya arrests man accused of tricking people into fighting for Russia<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Police in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kenya\/t-19038344\">Kenya<\/a> have arresed a man on suspicion of human trafficking.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s part of an investigation of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/a-thousand-kenyans-recruited-for-russias-war-new-report\/a-76050872\">an alleged scheme to dupe Kenyans with promises of skilled work in Russia<\/a>, only for them to end up fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The man was arrested in the northern Kenyan town of Moyale, near the border with Ethiopia, charged with trafficking 25 Kenyans to Russia last year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said he was trying to flee after returning from Russia. The man had gone missing after families started protesting the disappearances and deaths of their relatives in the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Russia accused of tricking foreigners into fighting\" class=\"headline\">Russia accused of tricking foreigners into fighting<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74752508\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74752508\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/tvdownloaddw-a.akamaihd.net\/stills\/images\/je\/je20251114_PARTNERzander_image_512x288_3.jpg\" data-duration=\"05:43\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20251114_PARTNERzander_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<p>Kenya&#8217;s government last week said that more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, and that at least 89 were still on the front lines, with 39 hospitalized and 28 missing in action. At least one person was confirmed dead, it said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russia&#8217;s Embassy in Nairobi denied the allegations, saying it never issued visas to anyone intending to travel to Russia to fight in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>However it also said, &#8220;The Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Kenya&#8217;s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi told the Associated Press earlier this month that he would seek a trip to Russia to mount a &#8220;diplomatic approach to rein in any dubious entites that are taking advantage of anyone in this misadventure.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He also said attempts were ongoing to secure\u00a0the release of Kenyans in Ukrainian prisons &#8220;if indeed there are Kenyans who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59Sla<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76136693\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-liveblog-post-76136693\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Ukraine reports major bombardment on eve of Geneva talks<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/26\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 26, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Ukraine reports major bombardment on eve of Geneva talks<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76137213\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76137213_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"This handout photograph taken and released by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on February 26, 2026 shows a residential building burning following a Russian drone attack in Zaporizhzhia, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">This shot shows a fire at an aparement block in Zaporizhzhia, the capital of the contested southern Ukrainian region with the same name<small class=\"copyright\">Image: State Emergency Service of Ukraine\/AFP<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said that Russia launched an overnight barrage of some 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine, ahead of talks between US and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukrainian<\/a> negotiators in Switzerland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy said the bombardment, which included 11 ballistic missiles, targeted both critical infrastructure and residential areas. He said that eight separate regions had reported damage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most missiles launched today were successfully intercepted thanks to our partners swiftly sending part of the air defense missiles agreed upon at the recent Ramstein meeting. Unfortunately, there were also hits,&#8221; Zelenskyy said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Ukrainians hold firm as Russia's war enters its fifth year\" class=\"headline\">Ukrainians hold firm as Russia&#8217;s war enters its fifth year<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76075800\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76075800\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74299961_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:13\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260221_QUkraine22F_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<p>Zelenskyy&#8217;s comments come ahead of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-geneva-peace-talks-end-abruptly\/live-76014391\">the latest round of talks in the US-led push to broker an end to the conflict<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Famously a war that President Donald Trump once boasted he would end within &#8220;a day&#8221; of returning to the White House while on the campaign trail, the negotiating process has now dragged on for a year with few clear signs of progress. At least judging by the public comments of Russia and Ukraine from outside, the two sides&#8217; positions still appear to be very far removed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine&#8217;s National Security and Defense Council, heads the Ukrainian delegation, while Trump&#8217;s representatives\u00a0Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are negotiating for the US.<\/p>\n<p>The divisions have been particularly evident during the past week amid the emotionally charged fourth anniversary of Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion. But Zelenskyy also stressed on Thursday that in Kyiv&#8217;s mind, the war was more than a decade old, having begun with Russia&#8217;s 2014 annexation of Crimea, to which he said &#8220;the world effectively turned a blind eye.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59SdB<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76136622\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448#post-liveblog-post-76136622\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/26\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 26, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Welcome to our coverage<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> with AP, dpa, Reuters<\/span><\/span><span><span class=\"separator lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> | <\/span><span class=\"no-link m1ho1h07 l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Jenipher Camino Gonzalez<\/span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> Editor<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Hello and welcome to our updates on or pertaining to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<\/a> on February 26, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Further negotiations are expected later in the day in Geneva, as US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner race from Iranian nuclear talks straight into continued efforts to broker an end to the four-year war in Switzerland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The negotiations do not come amid any obvious signs of progress, following a charged few days around the anniversary of Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion in late February of 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59Sc2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"h4zlaoh bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu cx4rgdt ih9bob8 disabled sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> said drones and missiles targeted eight separate regions overnight<\/li>\n<li>Another round of US-brokered talks passed without obvious movement in Geneva<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kenya\/t-19038344\">Kenya<\/a> arrests a man accused of tricking people to go to Russia with promises of skilled work, only to end up on the front lines in Ukraine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Stay tuned for more updates on or connected to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<\/a> on February 26, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Stay tuned for more updates on or connected to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<\/a> on February 26, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola on Thursday said that at least two <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/south-africa\/t-46830055\">South African<\/a> nationals had died fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine after being tricked into traveling there by a recruitment scheme.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s the first time South African authorities have confirmed the deaths in combat of any of their citizens who were allegedly lured to Russia with false promises of employment or training.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lamola did not name the individuals or say when they had died, but said that their familites had been informed.<\/p>\n<p>The minister had traveled to the east coast city of Durban to visit the families of 11 South Africans who returned home on Wednesday after they were allegedly recruited in a\u00a0scheme promising them security training.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He said another four men caught up in the same scheme had been previously repatriated while two more remained in Russia with &#8220;severe injuries.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 South Africans tricked into fighting Russia's war in Ukraine\" class=\"headline\">South Africans tricked into fighting Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-75023322\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"75023322\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75021339_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:56\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20251204_SA-RUSSIA_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola on Thursday said that at least two <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/south-africa\/t-46830055\">South African<\/a> nationals had died fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine after being tricked into traveling there by a recruitment scheme.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s the first time South African authorities have confirmed the deaths in combat of any of their citizens who were allegedly lured to Russia with false promises of employment or training.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lamola did not name the individuals or say when they had died, but said that their familites had been informed.<\/p>\n<p>The minister had traveled to the east coast city of Durban to visit the families of 11 South Africans who returned home on Wednesday after they were allegedly recruited in a\u00a0scheme promising them security training.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He said another four men caught up in the same scheme had been previously repatriated while two more remained in Russia with &#8220;severe injuries.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Urkainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> said on Thursday evening that the latest talks in Geneva meant there was &#8220;more readiness&#8221; for the next round of trilateral talks with Russia.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a result of today&#8217;s meetings, there is already more readiness for the next trilateral format,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Most likely, the next meeting will be in the Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi. We expect the format to be in early March.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Urkainian President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/volodymyr-zelenskyy\/t-65603134\">Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/a> said on Thursday evening that the latest talks in Geneva meant there was &#8220;more readiness&#8221; for the next round of trilateral talks with Russia.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a result of today&#8217;s meetings, there is already more readiness for the next trilateral format,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Most likely, the next meeting will be in the Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi. We expect the format to be in early March.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state media that Russia had no &#8220;deadlines&#8221; for bringing an end to fighting in Ukraine or striking some kind of deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Have you heard anything from us about deadlines? We have no deadlines, we have tasks. We are getting them done,&#8221; Lavrov said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev was also present in Geneva on Thursday, and according to state news agency RIA, he spoke with US officials. RIA reported that he declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, other Kremlin-aligned media reported that Dmitriev also declined to comment on\u00a0whether he also spoke with Ukrainian negotiators in Geneva.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state media that Russia had no &#8220;deadlines&#8221; for bringing an end to fighting in Ukraine or striking some kind of deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Have you heard anything from us about deadlines? We have no deadlines, we have tasks. We are getting them done,&#8221; Lavrov said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev was also present in Geneva on Thursday, and according to state news agency RIA, he spoke with US officials. RIA reported that he declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, other Kremlin-aligned media reported that Dmitriev also declined to comment on\u00a0whether he also spoke with Ukrainian negotiators in Geneva.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>US and Ukrainian officials concluded their talks at Geneva&#8217;s Hotel des Bergues on Thursday, with each delegation seen leaving the negotiating venue.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Today in Geneva we continue our work within the framework of the negotiation process. A bilateral meeting with the American delegation has begun &#8212; with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,&#8221; Ukrainian lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said earlier.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine aims to &#8220;synchronize positions&#8221; with the US ahead of fresh trilateral talks in March, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>US and Ukrainian officials concluded their talks at Geneva&#8217;s Hotel des Bergues on Thursday, with each delegation seen leaving the negotiating venue.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Today in Geneva we continue our work within the framework of the negotiation process. A bilateral meeting with the American delegation has begun &#8212; with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,&#8221; Ukrainian lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said earlier.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine aims to &#8220;synchronize positions&#8221; with the US ahead of fresh trilateral talks in March, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Police in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kenya\/t-19038344\">Kenya<\/a> have arresed a man on suspicion of human trafficking.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s part of an investigation of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/a-thousand-kenyans-recruited-for-russias-war-new-report\/a-76050872\">an alleged scheme to dupe Kenyans with promises of skilled work in Russia<\/a>, only for them to end up fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The man was arrested in the northern Kenyan town of Moyale, near the border with Ethiopia, charged with trafficking 25 Kenyans to Russia last year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said he was trying to flee after returning from Russia. The man had gone missing after families started protesting the disappearances and deaths of their relatives in the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Russia accused of tricking foreigners into fighting\" class=\"headline\">Russia accused of tricking foreigners into fighting<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74752508\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74752508\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/tvdownloaddw-a.akamaihd.net\/stills\/images\/je\/je20251114_PARTNERzander_image_512x288_3.jpg\" data-duration=\"05:43\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20251114_PARTNERzander_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<p>Kenya&#8217;s government last week said that more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, and that at least 89 were still on the front lines, with 39 hospitalized and 28 missing in action. At least one person was confirmed dead, it said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russia&#8217;s Embassy in Nairobi denied the allegations, saying it never issued visas to anyone intending to travel to Russia to fight in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>However it also said, &#8220;The Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Kenya&#8217;s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi told the Associated Press earlier this month that he would seek a trip to Russia to mount a &#8220;diplomatic approach to rein in any dubious entites that are taking advantage of anyone in this misadventure.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He also said attempts were ongoing to secure\u00a0the release of Kenyans in Ukrainian prisons &#8220;if indeed there are Kenyans who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Police in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kenya\/t-19038344\">Kenya<\/a> have arresed a man on suspicion of human trafficking.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s part of an investigation of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/a-thousand-kenyans-recruited-for-russias-war-new-report\/a-76050872\">an alleged scheme to dupe Kenyans with promises of skilled work in Russia<\/a>, only for them to end up fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The man was arrested in the northern Kenyan town of Moyale, near the border with Ethiopia, charged with trafficking 25 Kenyans to Russia last year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said he was trying to flee after returning from Russia. The man had gone missing after families started protesting the disappearances and deaths of their relatives in the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kenya&#8217;s government last week said that more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, and that at least 89 were still on the front lines, with 39 hospitalized and 28 missing in action. At least one person was confirmed dead, it said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russia&#8217;s Embassy in Nairobi denied the allegations, saying it never issued visas to anyone intending to travel to Russia to fight in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>However it also said, &#8220;The Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Kenya&#8217;s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi told the Associated Press earlier this month that he would seek a trip to Russia to mount a &#8220;diplomatic approach to rein in any dubious entites that are taking advantage of anyone in this misadventure.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He also said attempts were ongoing to secure\u00a0the release of Kenyans in Ukrainian prisons &#8220;if indeed there are Kenyans who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76137213\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76137213_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"This handout photograph taken and released by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on February 26, 2026 shows a residential building burning following a Russian drone attack in Zaporizhzhia, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">This shot shows a fire at an aparement block in Zaporizhzhia, the capital of the contested southern Ukrainian region with the same name<small class=\"copyright\">Image: State Emergency Service of Ukraine\/AFP<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said that Russia launched an overnight barrage of some 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine, ahead of talks between US and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukrainian<\/a> negotiators in Switzerland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy said the bombardment, which included 11 ballistic missiles, targeted both critical infrastructure and residential areas. He said that eight separate regions had reported damage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most missiles launched today were successfully intercepted thanks to our partners swiftly sending part of the air defense missiles agreed upon at the recent Ramstein meeting. Unfortunately, there were also hits,&#8221; Zelenskyy said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Ukrainians hold firm as Russia's war enters its fifth year\" class=\"headline\">Ukrainians hold firm as Russia&#8217;s war enters its fifth year<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76075800\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76075800\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74299961_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:13\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260221_QUkraine22F_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<p>Zelenskyy&#8217;s comments come ahead of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-geneva-peace-talks-end-abruptly\/live-76014391\">the latest round of talks in the US-led push to broker an end to the conflict<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Famously a war that President Donald Trump once boasted he would end within &#8220;a day&#8221; of returning to the White House while on the campaign trail, the negotiating process has now dragged on for a year with few clear signs of progress. At least judging by the public comments of Russia and Ukraine from outside, the two sides&#8217; positions still appear to be very far removed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine&#8217;s National Security and Defense Council, heads the Ukrainian delegation, while Trump&#8217;s representatives\u00a0Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are negotiating for the US.<\/p>\n<p>The divisions have been particularly evident during the past week amid the emotionally charged fourth anniversary of Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion. But Zelenskyy also stressed on Thursday that in Kyiv&#8217;s mind, the war was more than a decade old, having begun with Russia&#8217;s 2014 annexation of Crimea, to which he said &#8220;the world effectively turned a blind eye.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said that Russia launched an overnight barrage of some 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine, ahead of talks between US and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine\/t-17295382\">Ukrainian<\/a> negotiators in Switzerland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy said the bombardment, which included 11 ballistic missiles, targeted both critical infrastructure and residential areas. He said that eight separate regions had reported damage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most missiles launched today were successfully intercepted thanks to our partners swiftly sending part of the air defense missiles agreed upon at the recent Ramstein meeting. Unfortunately, there were also hits,&#8221; Zelenskyy said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Zelenskyy&#8217;s comments come ahead of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-geneva-peace-talks-end-abruptly\/live-76014391\">the latest round of talks in the US-led push to broker an end to the conflict<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Famously a war that President Donald Trump once boasted he would end within &#8220;a day&#8221; of returning to the White House while on the campaign trail, the negotiating process has now dragged on for a year with few clear signs of progress. At least judging by the public comments of Russia and Ukraine from outside, the two sides&#8217; positions still appear to be very far removed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine&#8217;s National Security and Defense Council, heads the Ukrainian delegation, while Trump&#8217;s representatives\u00a0Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are negotiating for the US.<\/p>\n<p>The divisions have been particularly evident during the past week amid the emotionally charged fourth anniversary of Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion. But Zelenskyy also stressed on Thursday that in Kyiv&#8217;s mind, the war was more than a decade old, having begun with Russia&#8217;s 2014 annexation of Crimea, to which he said &#8220;the world effectively turned a blind eye.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Hello and welcome to our updates on or pertaining to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<\/a> on February 26, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Further negotiations are expected later in the day in Geneva, as US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner race from Iranian nuclear talks straight into continued efforts to broker an end to the four-year war in Switzerland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The negotiations do not come amid any obvious signs of progress, following a charged few days around the anniversary of Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion in late February of 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hello and welcome to our updates on or pertaining to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/russias-war-in-ukraine\/t-60931789\">Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<\/a> on February 26, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Further negotiations are expected later in the day in Geneva, as US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner race from Iranian nuclear talks straight into continued efforts to broker an end to the four-year war in Switzerland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The negotiations do not come amid any obvious signs of progress, following a charged few days around the anniversary of Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion in late February of 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-russian-barrage-ahead-of-talks\/live-76135448&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76133515_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59SJ6 The negotiations are taking place in Geneva amid tight securityImage: Pierre Albouy\/REUTERS Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Volodymyr Zelenskyy said drones and missiles targeted eight separate regions overnight Another round of US-brokered talks passed without obvious movement in Geneva Kenya arrests a man [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1795386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1795386","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1795386"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1795386\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1795386"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1795386"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1795386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}