Recent discussions between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia took place in Geneva on February 17-18, focusing on potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishyna, addressed the media, highlighting the complexities of the negotiations.
During a briefing, Stefanishyna noted that while specifics of the talks cannot be disclosed, the dialogue remains active and crucial. She emphasized that the negotiations are significant for Russia, not necessarily to end the war or reach a comprehensive peace agreement, but to maintain their standing with the United States.
“These negotiations are important for the Russians. They are not seeking to end the war or seriously pursue a peace plan. They want to avoid losing the United States,” she stated.
Stefanishyna pointed out that Russia lacks options to leverage the situation in favor of the US, thus necessitating their continued involvement in the discussions. She asserted that a tighter engagement could lead to more favorable outcomes.
“The more we surround them in these negotiations, the more positive the result can be,” she added.
The first day of the talks, held on February 17, featured a session where Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov reported that delegations engaged in focused discussions on practical matters and potential solutions. Following the joint session, separate group discussions continued.
Umerov also met with representatives from the US, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to review the outcomes of the initial day and align strategies for future actions.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from the Trump administration, remarked on the significant progress made during the first day of negotiations. He indicated that both parties agreed to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of talks on February 18 was described by Umerov as “intensive and substantive.” He mentioned that discussions included both political and military tracks, addressing security parameters and implementation mechanisms for potential agreements. Some issues were clarified, while others remain for further coordination.
The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, characterized the round of negotiations as “difficult but businesslike.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the talks had yielded a “constructive” approach to monitoring ceasefire efforts, with the US expected to play a role in this process.
On the same day, Kirilo Budanov, head of the President’s Office and a member of the Ukrainian negotiation team, announced that another meeting would be scheduled soon.
The recent tripartite negotiations in Geneva between Ukraine, the US, and Russia focused on conflict resolution, with both sides engaging in intensive discussions. Key figures highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue and the potential for constructive outcomes.