Ukraine-Russia-US talks to resume Wednesday after tense Geneva session

2026-02-17 - 21:52

The third round of trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States will resume in Geneva on Wednesday after an initial session that lasted more than four hours, as international mediators push for progress ahead of the fourth anniversary of the war. The negotiations, which began Tuesday afternoon, brought together senior officials from all three countries for the first substantive discussions since previous rounds in Abu Dhabi. Delegations and Shifting Representation The Russian delegation was led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, replacing the senior military officials who headed previous negotiations—a shift that may signal a renewed focus on political rather than purely military dimensions of the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated before the meeting that the talks would address a "wider range of issues," including what he termed the "main issues concerning the territories," which remain central to Moscow's demands. Ukraine's delegation was headed by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, who emphasized a "clear mandate" from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused on security and humanitarian concerns. Working Groups and Concrete Discussions Following the joint session, delegations divided into working groups to address specific practical problems and possible implementation mechanisms. Umerov reported Tuesday evening that both political and military blocs had completed their initial work, with discussions concentrated on operational details rather than broad declarations. "We are working constructively, focused and without unnecessary expectations. Our task is to maximally advance those solutions that can bring sustainable peace closer," he stated on Telegram. Security advisers from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy were also reportedly present at the talks, reflecting continued European engagement in the process. Tense Atmosphere and Warning Signs Russian media, citing delegation sources, described the negotiations as "very tense" and confirmed that bilateral US-Russia contacts also took place alongside the trilateral format. The discussions occur against a backdrop of continued hostilities, with Zelenskyy warning that Russia may be preparing another "massive strike," arguing that military pressure has not eased despite resumed diplomacy. Umerov noted that results from the first day would be reported to Zelenskyy on Wednesday morning before political and military groups reconvene to continue their work, as the international community watches for any signs of breakthrough in the protracted conflict.