The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported that Russia is consciously restricting the extent of its airstrikes, motivated by a desire to avoid provoking U.S. President Donald Trump. This development comes as negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the USA are taking place in Geneva, indicating an effort to maintain diplomatic channels despite the ongoing conflict. The situation remains tense, particularly with reports of civilian casualties resulting from Russian attacks during the ongoing talks.

On February 18th, significant discussions are ongoing in Geneva regarding a peace negotiation process between the involved parties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that the Ukrainian people would not accept the ceding of the Donbas region to Russia, reflecting a critical internal stance amidst external pressures. The conversations in Geneva illustrate a complex interplay of diplomacy where military actions are still occurring on the ground, complicating the peace process.

In the context of military developments, Russian forces have launched attacks during the negotiations, with reports indicating at least five civilian casualties in the previous day alone. The situation highlights the precarious nature of the ceasefire and the significant reliance of Ukraine on NATO for military support, which constitutes over 80% of its military aid. Meanwhile, it is reported that Russia has suffered losses of 740 soldiers within a single day, underscoring the brutal toll of the ongoing conflict.