Steve Vitkoff, a special representative of the U.S. President, and Jared Kushner, the President’s son-in-law, provided an update to Donald Trump on negotiations concerning Ukraine and Iran that took place in Geneva.
According to RBC-Ukraine, journalist Barak Ravid reported via Axios that President Trump met with his advisors and was informed about the nuclear discussions with Iran, the ongoing dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, and a peace council meeting in Gaza scheduled for the following day.
The Geneva negotiations, which concluded on February 18, involved discussions among Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The talks lasted for two days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is premature to discuss the outcomes in detail until the Ukrainian negotiators return to Kyiv. However, he noted that there has been military progress, particularly regarding the monitoring of a ceasefire, which will be overseen by Washington. This development is seen as a positive signal.
Despite this, the political aspects of the negotiations remain challenging. Russia continues to insist on the complete withdrawal of troops from the Donetsk region, while the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which Moscow seeks to control fully, poses additional complications.
The White House has acknowledged progress in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, facilitated by the U.S., and indicated that the parties have agreed to continue their discussions. Further dialogue is anticipated in approximately two weeks.
RBC-Ukraine also reported on the Geneva talks, noting that the appointment of Vladimir Medinsky as head of the Russian delegation could suggest that Moscow either intends to prolong the process or is attempting to convey more stringent demands.
Additionally, on February 18, the U.S. held discussions with Iranian representatives, as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high.
U.S. officials briefed President Trump on recent negotiations in Geneva regarding Ukraine and Iran. While military progress was noted, political challenges persist, particularly concerning troop withdrawals and the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Source: RBC-Ukraine