Negotiations involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are set to take place in Geneva on February 17-18, with a focus on a wider range of topics compared to previous discussions held in Abu Dhabi.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, indicated that the talks would encompass various issues, including territorial matters. This marks a significant development in ongoing diplomatic efforts amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials are preparing to raise the topic of an energy ceasefire during these discussions. Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation is en route to Geneva as of February 16.
Prior to the Geneva meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held consultations with members of the Trump administration, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to align strategies and objectives.
The Ukrainian delegation will largely mirror the team that participated in earlier negotiations in Abu Dhabi, with Kirill Budanov, head of the President’s Office, once again leading the group.
On the Russian side, the delegation will consist of at least 15 members, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and the head of the delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, who serves as an aide to President Vladimir Putin.
Additionally, Alexey Zhuravlyov, Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee in the State Duma, stated that Russia’s ambitions extend beyond the transfer of certain territories, such as Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. He suggested that Moscow is also interested in a change of leadership in Kyiv, aiming to remove what it describes as a “Russophobic” government.
The upcoming Geneva talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia aim to address a broader array of issues, including territorial disputes and energy ceasefires. Both sides are preparing for significant discussions amidst ongoing tensions in the region.