Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed cautious optimism regarding upcoming peace negotiations, stating that there has been progress in discussions. He emphasized the need for substantive dialogue in the next round, scheduled for February 17-18 in Geneva, without the inclusion of historical debates that detract from the urgency of the situation.
During a panel at the Munich Security Conference, Sybiha acknowledged the United States’ involvement in the peace process, crediting former President Donald Trump for his leadership and support. He remarked, “Without Trump, it is unrealistic to conclude this war,” indicating the importance of continued American engagement.
Sybiha reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity and sovereignty, asserting that any peace agreement must not compromise these principles. He mentioned that there are still three key points to address at the leadership level within the proposed 20-point plan, and he believes Ukraine has realistic proposals ready for discussion.
He stated, “We hope that in the next round, we will not hear additional historical lectures. This is not about process; it is time for concrete and decisive actions.” His comments reflect a growing impatience for tangible results in the negotiations.
The upcoming talks will feature representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, with the Russian delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky, who previously headed the Russian team during negotiations last year. At that time, the Russian side rejected a ceasefire and insisted on the recognition of occupied territories in Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte criticized Medinsky for his lack of constructive dialogue, recalling an earlier meeting in Turkey where he felt pressure was applied on Ukraine to send a high-level team, only to be met with historical interpretations rather than actionable proposals from the Russian side.
Earlier rounds of negotiations took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24 and February 4-5, where no significant breakthroughs were achieved. However, the parties did agree on a prisoner exchange during the February 5 meeting, the first such agreement in five months. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described the discussions as constructive, focusing on establishing conditions for lasting peace.
Following the negotiations, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted a reduction in the number of unresolved issues between Ukraine and Russia, although he acknowledged that the most challenging topics remain, particularly concerning territorial disputes.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed optimism about the upcoming peace talks in Geneva, emphasizing the need for concrete actions rather than historical debates. The negotiations aim to address key issues while maintaining Ukraine's territorial integrity, amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.