President Zelenskyy reveals central topic for peace talks in Geneva
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Next week in Geneva, Ukraine, the US, and Russia will discuss how a monitoring mission would operate in the event of a ceasefire, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Read also: Peace deal only with public approval - Zelenskyy names possible referendum timeline
"On the military aspect, they have to accept a monitoring mission and how it would work if the war ends — that is, monitoring the ceasefire," the Ukrainian leader said.
Zelenskyy also added that Ukraine will raise the issue of an energy truce, but cannot discuss details publicly at this stage.
In addition, he announced that today, after meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he will speak with Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ahead of the Geneva talks.
"Now is Secretary Rubio. Then in two hours, we'll have a call with Witkoff and Kushner right from here in Munich," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that Ukraine will do everything to ensure that no party can accuse Kyiv of not wanting an end to the war.
"We don't give such childish passes," the President added, referring to periodic accusations that Ukraine supposedly does not want peace.
Peace talks and timelines for ending war
In January and February, two rounds of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia were held in Abu Dhabi. According to Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council secretary Rustem Umerov, the last meeting focused on methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the end of hostilities.
The Kremlin also announced a third round, scheduled for February 17–18 in Geneva. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian leader.
Russian media also reported that President Vladimir Putin will send Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, known for his hardline and aggressive foreign policy stance.
Umerov wrote that President Zelenskyy has already approved the Ukrainian negotiation team, which will include the same members who participated in the Abu Dhabi talks.
Also, on February 13, US President Donald Trump said that Zelenskyy would need to take action on the peace process or he would "miss a great opportunity." Trump believes Russia wants to reach an agreement.
In addition, Ukraine has publicly stated that the US aims to end the war by June 2026. Media reports in recent days have suggested that Ukraine has already begun preparations for elections and a referendum in May, with Reuters reporting that a peace agreement with Russia could be reached as early as March.
