Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's chief negotiator, leaves the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva, 18 February 2026. (Keystone/Martial Trezzini)

⛔Ukraine-Russia talks abruptly cut short with mixed signals. The abrupt halt to political negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva casts fresh doubts on the future of peace talks.

🗣️Independent UN body condemns ‘vicious attacks’ on UN expert on Palestinian rights. A body coordinating and facilitating the work of UN special rapporteurs accused European ministers of relying on misinformation in their criticism of Palestine expert Francesca Albanese.

🇱🇾‘I wish I had died,’ says migrant after weeks of rape. A report by the UN human rights office said migrants and refugees returned to Libya were facing “systematic and widespread human rights violations”, including torture and rape.

⚖️Allegations in Epstein files may amount to 'crimes against humanity,' UN experts say. Experts said that acts documented in the files suggest the existence of a global criminal organisation and a commodification and dehumanisation of women and girls.

🚩UN urges renewed push to finish decolonisation as climate warms. UN secretary general António Guterres called for an end of colonial rule in nearly 20 non-self-governing territories, many of which are threatened by rising sea levels.