Possible shifts in stance: Zelenskyy updates Rutte on Ukraine-US-Russia talks

Read also: Did Ukraine and Russia reach agreement in Geneva? Exclusive details of meeting

Zelenskyy said he and Rutte coordinated their positions "on all key issues of diplomatic work," noting that their views largely align.

"I spoke about preparations for the next trilateral format with the US and Russia and what we know about possible changes in the parties' positions," the president said.

Ukraine's leader also discussed with Rutte the situation in the energy sector and the need to continue work under the PURL program.

"I am grateful to every European country investing in our defense through PURL. Mark, thank you for your support!" the Ukrainian president added.

Peace talks

On February 17–18, the third round of trilateral Ukraine–US–Russia peace talks took place in Geneva, Switzerland.

CNN reported that military negotiators achieved "incremental but significant progress" in determining how the ceasefire would function.

At the same time, political negotiations remained tense. Axios reported they reached an impasse due to positions presented by Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky. While the exact remarks were not disclosed, Russia is said to continue insisting on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas—a demand Kyiv rejects.

President Zelenskyy said on February 20 that real opportunities to end the war with dignity still remain. He cautioned that it is too early to speak of positive outcomes, but that clarity on a prisoner swap could emerge in the coming days.

The parties also agreed that, in the event of a ceasefire, the US would monitor it. Zelenskyy confirmed that no agreement has been reached on territorial issues, including Donbas.

The next meeting is expected in Geneva within the next 10 days.