Representatives from Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday, February 17, restarted U.S.-mediated negotiations in Geneva, dpa reported. Kyiv aims to focus on humanitarian issues and security guarantees, while Moscow is pushing for territorial concessions, according to the agency.
A plane carrying the Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, landed in Geneva after an eight-hour flight, Interfax reported. The aircraft reportedly flew over Turkey, the eastern Mediterranean and Italy.
The Ukrainian delegation, headed by the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, arrived in Geneva on February 16.
Umerov posted several photos from the meeting on social media, writing: “On the agenda — security and humanitarian issues. We are working constructively, with focus and without excessive expectations. Our task is to advance as much as possible the decisions that can bring a sustainable peace closer.”
Last week, Umerov said one goal of the next round would be to secure a partial ceasefire to protect Ukraine’s energy system.
The Russian and Ukrainian delegations are meeting at the InterContinental hotel behind closed doors. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said not to expect details of the discussions on February 17.
“I don’t think it’s worth expecting any news today, because, as you know, the work is planned to continue tomorrow,” Peskov told reporters, according to Interfax. “There are no announcements planned on this. Everything will be closed to the press,” the agency quoted him as saying.
Trump: Ukraine should sit down for talks soon
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier urged Kyiv to reach an agreement with Moscow as soon as possible. “Ukraine should sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible,” Trump told reporters on February 16 aboard Air Force One.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on February 16 that Russia’s delegation for the Geneva consultations on Ukraine would be expanded. He said the team would be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and include Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Russia’s General Staff. The group numbers more than 20 people, dpa reported.
Ukraine’s delegation - in addition to Umerov - includes the head of Volodymyr Zelensky’s office Kyrylo Budanov, deputy Serhiy Kyslytsya, deputy head of military intelligence Vadym Skibitskyi, Ukraine’s Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, and David Arakhamia, head of the ruling Servant of the People party’s parliamentary faction.
The talks are expected to run in Geneva through February 18. Two earlier U.S.-mediated rounds in Abu Dhabi produced no breakthrough.
