Zelenskyy says Russia dragging out Geneva peace talks
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva could already be entering their final stage, but Russia is trying to drag them out, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Read also Ukraine-US-Russia talks in Geneva: Key developments from day two
"Yesterday’s meetings were indeed difficult, and we can state that Russia is trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage," he says.
Zelenskyy says that he had given the Ukrainian delegation a clear task: to do everything possible to ensure that the negotiations with Russia are productive and increase the chances for peaceful solutions. Among other things, humanitarian issues are to be discussed today, namely, steps to exchange prisoners of war and release civilians.
Europe's participation in negotiations
"We consider Europe’s participation in the process indispensable for the successful implementation of entirely feasible agreements – Ukraine has no doubt that partners are capable of ensuring the constructiveness of the negotiation process and, therefore, a dignified result," the President emphasizes.
He also reports that yesterday, February 17, negotiations took place between Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives on military and military-political issues.
Zelenskyy adds that the Ukrainian and US delegations met with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
Negotiations in Geneva
Previous rounds of negotiations involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24 and February 4-5. The parties failed to make significant progress in ending the war, but they agreed to exchange prisoners, the first in five months.
In Geneva, the Russian delegation is headed by Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky. In addition, it includes GRU chief Igor Kostyukov, and according to media reports, the total number of Russians at the talks exceeds 15 people.
Ukraine is represented by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, President's Office Chief Kyrylo Budanov, and other members of the delegation.
The US is represented by Jared Kushner, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll.
The Kremlin also stated that the agenda in Geneva would be broader and would include territorial issues. At the same time, Ukraine wants to achieve progress on an energy truce and humanitarian agreements.
