The Ukrainian delegation has wrapped up another round of negotiations in Geneva, which took place on February 17-18. The discussions involved separate meetings with American representatives as well as a trilateral session with the U.S. and Switzerland.
Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, reported back to President Zelensky regarding the talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Umerov stated, “We are preparing for the next round. We are working on finalizing security parameters, economic solutions, and agreed positions that will form the basis for future agreements. Our goal is to make the next trilateral meeting with the U.S. and Russia as substantive as possible.”
A significant focus was placed on the economic aspects and long-term support mechanisms for Ukraine. Umerov mentioned collaboration with the Ukrainian government’s economic team, particularly with Oleksiy Sobolev, to develop a document aimed at Ukraine’s recovery. They agreed to continue refining this document, which includes plans for future reconstruction and investment.
During the first day of negotiations on February 17, Umerov noted that discussions were concentrated on practical issues and potential solutions. Following a joint session, delegations continued their work in smaller groups.
On the same day, Umerov held a separate meeting with representatives from the U.S., France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to discuss the outcomes of the first day and synchronize their approaches for the next steps.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy, reported “significant progress” after the first day of talks, indicating that both sides agreed to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of negotiations on February 18 was described by Umerov as “intensive and substantive.” He noted that discussions involved both political and military tracks, focusing on security parameters and mechanisms for implementing possible solutions. Some issues were clarified, while others remained for further coordination. Umerov emphasized the need to achieve a consensus to present the developed solutions to the presidents.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky characterized this round of talks as “difficult but businesslike.” President Zelensky remarked that the parties achieved a level of “constructiveness” regarding ceasefire monitoring, with the U.S. expected to play a role in this process.
On the same day, Kirill Budanov, head of the President’s Office and a member of the Ukrainian negotiation team, announced that a new meeting would take place soon.
The Ukrainian delegation has concluded a round of negotiations in Geneva with the U.S. and Russia, focusing on security and economic recovery. Both sides reported progress, with plans for future meetings to continue discussions on peace agreements.