Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the ongoing preparations for peace negotiations as a complex situation, likening it to a “whole Santa Barbara” of complications. The talks, initially scheduled for next week, have been postponed at the request of the United States.
Zelensky explained that while the U.S. expressed readiness to meet, it insisted that the discussions take place on American soil due to security concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Ukraine has indicated its willingness to travel to Miami or Washington, depending on U.S. preferences.
In contrast, Russia has proposed alternative meeting locations, including Turkey and Switzerland, but the U.S. has rejected these options. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to convene in any country, including the U.S., Turkey, Switzerland, or even the UAE, stating, “It depends on the Americans. They are the organizers of this meeting. We are waiting for them.”
On February 17-18, a new round of trilateral negotiations took place in Geneva involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, focusing on ending the war. Following the first day of talks, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov reported that discussions had progressed into smaller working groups addressing specific issues.
Umerov also held separate meetings with representatives from the U.S., France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to synchronize approaches to the negotiations. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff noted significant progress had been made, with both sides agreeing to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of negotiations was described by Umerov as “intense and substantive,” with discussions covering both political and military aspects, including security parameters and mechanisms for potential agreements. He indicated that some issues had been clarified, while others would require further coordination before being presented to the presidents.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky characterized the talks as “difficult but businesslike.” Zelensky remarked that the discussions had achieved a level of “constructiveness” regarding ceasefire monitoring, with the U.S. expected to play a role in this process.
On the same day, Kirill Budanov, head of the President’s Office and a member of the Ukrainian negotiating team, announced that another meeting would take place soon.
Looking back at previous negotiations, on December 14-15, 2025, a Ukrainian delegation led by Zelensky held talks in Berlin regarding a 20-point peace plan. Umerov described these discussions as productive, with some progress reported. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Witaker indicated that four documents were under consideration during these talks, aimed at understanding Moscow’s willingness to end its aggression.
On December 28, Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago, where they reportedly agreed on 90% of the peace plan and 100% on security guarantees. Subsequently, they held a joint call with European leaders to discuss further meetings to finalize these documents.
While Russia has reviewed the proposed documents for ending the conflict, it has not provided a clear agreement. On January 23-24, trilateral talks were held in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the end of hostilities and the peace process. Umerov reiterated that the goal was to advance towards a lasting peace.
In early February, discussions in Abu Dhabi included methods for establishing a ceasefire and monitoring compliance. On February 13, it was announced that the next round of negotiations would occur in Geneva on February 17-18, as confirmed by both Ukrainian and Russian officials.
As the diplomatic efforts continue, key issues remain, particularly concerning the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with Ukraine awaiting specific responses from Russia regarding the war’s conclusion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined the complexities surrounding peace negotiations with the U.S. and Russia, citing delays and location disputes. Recent talks in Geneva highlighted ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the conflict, with both sides expressing a commitment to continued dialogue.