The Kremlin announced that the next round of Ukraine peace talks will be held in Geneva on February 17-18. The talks matter as they aim to resolve the ongoing conflict and reduce regional tensions. The negotiations directly involve Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in a trilateral diplomatic effort.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. Previous US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi resulted in the first prisoner exchange in five months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the Geneva dates earlier this week and emphasized serious preparations for substantive discussions.
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Ukraine’s delegation, according to National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, will include Kyrylo Budanov and Chief of General Staff Andrii Hnatov. The team will address military, political, and security matters to pursue a sustainable and lasting peace. Umerov stressed that the negotiations would be conducted responsibly under Zelenskyy’s framework.
Peskov also commented on potential US-Russia economic cooperation, noting that proposals exist but progress depends on resolving the Ukraine crisis. Reports suggest Moscow seeks joint investments and a partial return to the dollar settlement system, though Peskov emphasized restrictions on dollar use come from the US. Economic discussions are unlikely before a peace agreement is reached.
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Separately, Peskov noted Russia has not yet decided its stance on US-led Board of Peace initiatives for Gaza. The Board’s first leaders-level meeting is scheduled for February 19 in Washington. Russia’s participation remains uncertain, reflecting Moscow’s cautious approach to multilateral peace efforts beyond Ukraine.