Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced preparations for a new round of negotiations aimed at achieving peace in the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the country’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming discussions yield positive outcomes for Ukraine.
Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian team will take all necessary steps to facilitate progress and will not act as an obstacle to peace. He highlighted that during previous talks in Geneva, it became clear that Russia was primarily responsible for the lack of significant results.
During his discussions with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, Zelensky addressed specific aspects of the upcoming negotiations. He tasked Umerov with enhancing collaboration with partners in the Middle East and Turkey to increase their involvement and support.
Next week, Zelensky is also scheduled to meet with European partners. He reiterated the importance of coordinating actions with Europe to ensure its participation in all processes and to strengthen a unified stance.
The first day of the latest round of trilateral talks took place in Geneva on February 17, involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, focusing on ending the war. The Ukrainian delegation departed from their hotel around 7:50 PM, after which Umerov reported that discussions continued in smaller groups, concentrating on practical issues and potential solutions.
Umerov also held a separate meeting in Geneva with representatives from the U.S., France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. They reviewed the outcomes of the first round of talks and synchronized their approaches for future steps. He stressed the necessity of maintaining a shared vision and coordination among Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff noted significant progress following the first day of negotiations, stating that both sides agreed to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of talks occurred on February 18, with Umerov describing the discussions as “intensive and substantive.” He mentioned that both political and military tracks were active within the delegation, addressing security parameters and mechanisms for implementing potential agreements. Some issues were clarified, while others remained for further coordination. Umerov indicated that the next step would involve reaching a consensus to present the developed proposals to the presidents.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky characterized this round of negotiations as “difficult but businesslike.” Zelensky concluded that the discussions had achieved a level of “constructiveness” regarding ceasefire monitoring, with the U.S. committed to participating in this aspect.
President Zelensky of Ukraine has outlined plans for a new round of peace negotiations, emphasizing the nation's readiness to facilitate productive discussions. Recent talks in Geneva involved key discussions among Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, focusing on practical solutions to the ongoing conflict.