Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently provided an update on the outcomes of two days of trilateral negotiations held in Geneva with representatives from the United States and Russia. During a press briefing on February 20, he noted that the military subgroup made significant progress in discussions.
Zelensky highlighted that all three parties acknowledged the importance of a ceasefire, stating, “If there is to be an end to the war, the monitoring of the ceasefire will primarily be the responsibility of the Americans. They will lead in this direction. I believe this is a very important result that the team has brought back today.”
“If there is to be an end to the war, the monitoring of the ceasefire will primarily be the responsibility of the Americans.”
In addition to ceasefire discussions, the negotiations included potential exchanges of prisoners of war. Zelensky indicated that details regarding the number and timing of such exchanges could be determined in the coming days.
“On the political subgroup, there are still sensitive issues regarding Eastern Ukraine, particularly concerning Donbas and territorial matters. Constructive solutions have yet to be found here,” he remarked.
The president also mentioned that another meeting is expected to take place within ten days, likely again in Geneva.
“The fact that a meeting occurred is positive. Achieving decisions regarding ceasefire monitoring and potential exchanges is encouraging. However, the lack of progress on territorial issues is a reality we must acknowledge,” he added.
During the first day of negotiations on February 17, the delegations focused on practical matters and potential solutions. Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, reported that discussions were productive and continued in smaller groups.
On the same day, Umerov held a separate meeting with representatives from the US, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to synchronize approaches to the ongoing talks.
Steve Vitkoff, a special envoy from the Trump administration, noted significant progress following the first day of discussions, indicating that both sides agreed to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of negotiations on February 18 was described as “intensive and substantive” by Umerov. He stated that both political and military tracks were discussed, including security parameters and mechanisms for implementing potential agreements. Some questions were clarified, while others remained for further coordination.
Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, characterized the negotiations as “difficult but businesslike.”
President Zelensky reiterated the constructive nature of the discussions regarding ceasefire monitoring, emphasizing the American involvement in this process.
On the same day, Kirill Budanov, head of the Office of the President and a member of the Ukrainian delegation, confirmed that a new meeting would be scheduled soon.
The recent trilateral negotiations in Geneva between Ukraine, the US, and Russia yielded constructive discussions on ceasefire monitoring and potential prisoner exchanges. While some progress was made, particularly in military matters, sensitive territorial issues remain unresolved, necessitating further talks.