Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that Russia’s recent change in its negotiation team leader is a tactic to prolong discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Zelensky stated, “The surprise is that the Russians have changed the leader of their negotiation group. I think they want to delay decision-making.”
He emphasized that Ukraine, in collaboration with the United States, will not allow Russia to restart negotiations from scratch due to this leadership shift.
The upcoming talks follow two previous rounds of trilateral discussions involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, held in Abu Dhabi. The next meeting is scheduled for February 17-18.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that the Russian delegation will now be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, reports indicate that Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, known for his hardline stance, will also participate in the talks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga commented on Medinsky’s involvement, noting that it is challenging to assess his participation given that he has previously engaged in what he termed “historical pseudolectures” during negotiations.
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, confirmed plans for a meeting in Geneva, stating that Zelensky has approved the composition of the Ukrainian delegation, which remains unchanged from the previous Abu Dhabi discussions.
During the upcoming meeting, the parties are expected to discuss how a monitoring mission would operate in the event of a ceasefire. Ukraine also intends to raise the issue of a new energy truce.
Recently, Zelensky publicly indicated that the U.S. aims to conclude the war in Ukraine by June. There have been reports suggesting that discussions about a potential peace agreement with Russia could occur as early as March, alongside indications that Kyiv has begun preparations for presidential elections and a referendum regarding the peace deal.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has raised concerns over Russia's change in negotiation leadership, suggesting it is a tactic to delay peace talks. The upcoming discussions in Geneva will focus on ceasefire monitoring and energy agreements, with the U.S. aiming for a resolution by June.