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NPR News Now

NPR News: 02-18-2026 6PM EST

18 Feb 2026

Transcription

Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.

What recent developments occurred in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks?

0.605 - 17.027 Ryland Barton

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. U.S.-sponsored peace talks between Russia and Ukraine broke off earlier than expected today in Geneva, Switzerland. However, participants are suggesting that some progress was made. NPR's Charles Mains reports from Moscow.

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17.092 - 34.763 Charles Mains

The Kremlin's lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, gave no explanation for the abrupt end to the meetings, described them as difficult and businesslike, and said they would continue at a later date. Ukraine noted progress in negotiations, a view shared by White House envoy Steve Witkoff, though neither provided further details.

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34.743 - 54.162 Charles Mains

Negotiations have bogged down over Russian ultimatums Ukraine surrender territory, including land not controlled by Russian forces, as well as Ukraine's demands for ironclad security guarantees from the U.S. should it even consider a deal. Ahead of the talks, President Trump said the onus was on Kiev to make concessions, saying Ukraine better come to the table fast.

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54.723 - 56.865 Charles Mains

Charles Mainz, NPR News, Moscow.

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57.165 - 71.111 Ryland Barton

The Food and Drug Administration is reversing course and will consider approving Moderna's experimental flu shot after all. The decision comes a little more than a week after the agency refused to review the jab. NPR's Sydney Lupkin has more.

71.431 - 90.754 Sydney Lupkin

The FDA rattled the biotech industry when it said it wouldn't even look at Moderna's application to market the first mRNA flu shot. Moderna used its mRNA technology to swiftly create and manufacture its COVID-19 shot during the pandemic. The company wants to use the same technology to make a flu vaccine.

91.105 - 112.489 Sydney Lupkin

Initially, the FDA said it wouldn't review the new shot because the company didn't compare it to a high-dose flu vaccine in older people. Now, Moderna says it will take an age-based approach and agreed to add a confirmatory study after marketing begins that will focus on older adults. The company says the new vaccine would be ready for the next flu season pending FDA approval.

112.942 - 114.53 Sydney Lupkin

Sydney Lupkin, NPR News.

114.811 - 125.775 Ryland Barton

The U.S. is becoming more renter-friendly, according to a report from Realtor.com on January's rental market. NPR's Stephen Basaja says more renters have bargaining power.

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