US-mediated Russia-Ukraine peace talks set for Geneva this week

2026-02-16 - 20:15

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are en route to Geneva for high-stakes peace talks scheduled February 17-18, marking the most significant US-mediated diplomatic engagement since the conflict's escalation. Both sides confirmed preparatory consultations are underway, with officials indicating separate bilateral meetings with American representatives will complement the main negotiation track. The Geneva round represents a critical test of whether shuttle diplomacy can advance beyond prisoner swaps toward substantive political progress. Ukrainian Delegation and Position Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, confirmed Monday that the delegation has departed for Geneva, emphasizing plans to analyze "the lessons of history" while defending national interests. The Ukrainian team, approved by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and includes senior military, intelligence, parliamentary, and diplomatic officials. Zelenskyy recently disclosed that Washington has proposed security guarantees in exchange for territorial concessions, though he insists guarantees must precede any territorial discussion and emphasized that willingness to compromise "does not mean that we will give up our territories." Russian Delegation and Scope Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov announced the Russian delegation will depart Monday evening. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed discussions will cover territorial issues and "a broader range of topics," expanding beyond the security focus of previous Abu Dhabi rounds. Presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian team, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, and special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who will separately engage in economic cooperation discussions with US representatives. President Vladimir Putin briefed the approximately 15-20 member delegation before departure. US Mediation and Venue The United States serves as principal mediator, primarily through special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has led recent shuttle diplomacy and facilitated prisoner-exchange agreements. President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is expected to play an advisory role. Geneva was selected for its neutrality, diplomatic infrastructure, and security guarantees. Media reports indicate the Hotel InterContinental as the likely venue, though unconfirmed. The talks follow three Istanbul rounds last year producing humanitarian arrangements and two Abu Dhabi meetings in January-February that secured additional prisoner exchanges.