The second day of trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia commenced in Geneva, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Rustom Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, shared updates via Telegram.
Umerov indicated that discussions are being held in specialized groups focusing on political and military aspects. The Ukrainian delegation is currently refining the parameters and mechanisms of the solutions discussed on the previous day.
“We are focused on substantive work. Further updates will be provided,” Umerov stated.
The first day of this round of negotiations took place on February 17. Following a joint session, the Ukrainian delegation left the hotel where the talks were held to continue discussions in smaller groups. Umerov noted that these discussions are centered on practical issues and the mechanics of potential agreements.
Additionally, Umerov held a separate meeting in Geneva with representatives from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The participants reviewed the outcomes of the first round of talks and synchronized their approaches for future steps. Umerov emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified vision and coordinated actions among Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from the Trump administration, reported significant progress following the first day of negotiations. He mentioned that both parties agreed to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
Background on the negotiations reveals that on December 14-15, 2025, a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. officials in Berlin to discuss a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict. Umerov described the discussions as productive, noting that progress was made.
On December 24, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Witaker stated that four documents were under discussion during the talks, highlighting Washington’s efforts to gauge Moscow’s willingness to end its aggression.
President Zelensky later met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28, where they reportedly agreed on 90% of the peace plan and 100% on security guarantees. They subsequently held a joint call with European leaders to plan further meetings to finalize these documents.
Russia has also reviewed the documents regarding the cessation of hostilities but has not provided a clear agreement.
On January 23-24, trilateral talks took place in Abu Dhabi, focusing on concluding the war and the subsequent peace process. Umerov reiterated that the goal of the negotiations is to advance towards a dignified and lasting peace. A White House representative characterized the meeting as productive.
President Zelensky has previously emphasized that key issues remain in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and the Ukrainian delegation is awaiting concrete responses from Russia regarding the end of the conflict.
Negotiations continued on February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi, where the delegations discussed methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities. On February 13, it was announced that the next round of talks would take place on February 17-18 in Geneva, a detail confirmed by Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
On February 14, Umerov mentioned that discussions in Geneva could include the possibility of an energy ceasefire. On February 15, Zelensky reported on consultations he had with Trump representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prior to the Geneva meeting.
Trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia are ongoing in Geneva, focusing on practical solutions to end the conflict. Secretary Umerov has highlighted the importance of coordination among the involved parties as discussions progress.