Negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia commenced in Geneva, as confirmed by Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. The discussions are framed by a mandate established by the Ukrainian president, focusing on security and humanitarian issues.
Umierov noted the intention to work constructively and without excessive expectations, emphasizing the goal of advancing solutions that could lead to a sustainable peace. He communicated these points via Telegram.
During a prior media interaction in Munich, Umierov indicated that the agenda would include discussions on an energy ceasefire, although he did not provide further details. The Kremlin has cautioned that no significant announcements should be anticipated following the first day of talks.
The trilateral discussions are scheduled for February 17 and 18, coinciding with a significant escalation in hostilities, as Russia launched a coordinated attack on Ukraine, deploying 29 missiles and 396 drones on the night of February 17.
Preliminary negotiations took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24 and February 4-5, mediated by the United States, but did not yield notable progress towards ending the conflict. However, the February 5 meeting resulted in an agreement for a prisoner exchange, the first in five months.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy, described the discussions in Abu Dhabi as constructive and focused on creating conditions for lasting peace. He mentioned that the ceasefire was a topic of conversation during these talks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted a reduction in the number of unresolved issues between Ukraine and Russia following the February 4 discussions, yet acknowledged that the most challenging topics remain. On January 28, Rubio highlighted that territorial disputes continue to be a significant point of contention.
In January, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that territorial issues, as outlined in the so-called “Anchorage Formula,” are of paramount importance to Russia, although the specifics of this formula have not been disclosed.
Trilateral negotiations in Geneva involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia aim to address security and humanitarian concerns amidst ongoing conflict. Despite previous talks yielding limited progress, the discussions reflect ongoing efforts to find a path toward peace.