Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that discussions involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia will take place in Geneva next week, focusing on the operational aspects of a monitoring mission in the event of a ceasefire.
During a recent statement, Zelensky emphasized the importance of establishing a monitoring mission to oversee the cessation of hostilities, stating, “They must accept the monitoring mission and how it will function in the event of the war’s conclusion, meaning monitoring the ceasefire.”
Additionally, he mentioned that Ukraine intends to address the topic of an energy truce, although he refrained from discussing specifics publicly at this time.
Following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Zelensky is scheduled to engage in discussions with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, indicating preparations ahead of the Geneva talks. “Now Secretary Rubio. In two hours, we will have a call with Witkoff and Kushner right from here (Munich),” he noted.
The president reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to ensuring that no party could accuse Kyiv of resisting efforts to end the conflict. “We do not give such childish passes,” he remarked, referencing ongoing allegations that Ukraine is reluctant to pursue peace.
In January and February, two rounds of trilateral negotiations took place in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. According to National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, the last meeting addressed methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
Furthermore, the Kremlin has announced a third meeting scheduled for February 17-18 in Geneva, with Russian delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin. Reports indicate that Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, known for his hardline stance, will also participate in the negotiations.
Umerov confirmed that President Zelensky has approved the composition of the Ukrainian delegation, which will consist of the same representatives who attended the discussions in Abu Dhabi.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Zelensky must take action regarding the peace process, warning that failure to do so could result in a lost opportunity. Trump expressed confidence that Russia is seeking an agreement.
Zelensky has publicly indicated that the U.S. aims to conclude the war by June 2026. Additionally, media reports suggest that Ukraine is preparing for elections and a referendum in May, while Reuters has indicated that a peace agreement with Russia could be possible as early as March.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined plans for upcoming negotiations in Geneva with the U.S. and Russia, focusing on ceasefire monitoring and potential peace agreements. The discussions follow previous trilateral talks and aim to address both military and energy-related issues amid ongoing conflict.