Zelenskyy meets with Rubio, Witkoff, Kushner in Munich ahead of Geneva talks

Read also: Ukrainian president shares US message on Russia peace deal

Zelenskyy said that the talks with Rubio focused on the frontline situation, Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including winter preparedness, and the diplomatic process.

The parties also discussed the planned Geneva talks with Russia and emphasized the importance of achieving tangible results.

"It is crucial that the Geneva talks yield results, and I thank the United States for its constructive approach. We also touched on the sequence of steps. Progress on security guarantees and economic recovery is essential," the Ukrainian leader said.

Following the meeting with Marco Rubio, Zelenskyy held a call with Trump's special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on preparations for the trilateral Geneva talks.

"Not everything can be shared over the phone. Our negotiation team will present Ukraine's position next week. We deeply appreciate the US's consistent constructive stance and readiness to help protect lives," he added.

Geneva talks: Unexpected issues

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that the Kremlin has replaced the leader of Russia's delegation for the upcoming talks, signaling an attempt to delay a resolution to the war—a move Ukraine says it will not allow.

On February 13, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Putin aide Vladimir Medinsky, known for promoting Russian propaganda and pseudo-historical narratives about Ukraine, will head the Russian delegation.

Additionally, Vladimir Putin sends Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, a hardline advocate on Ukraine, to the negotiations.

Later, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council secretary Rustem Umerov confirmed that President Zelenskyy has already approved the composition of the Ukrainian delegation. The team will include the same members who participated in the Abu Dhabi talks—unlike the Kremlin, Ukraine has made no changes.