The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, held a separate meeting with representatives from the United States and European partners after the first day of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, which are taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Results of the First Round of Negotiations
Umerov, the head of the Ukrainian delegation, noted that he discussed the outcomes of today’s round with representatives from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and coordinated further approaches for the next steps. He emphasized the importance of a shared vision and coordination of actions between Ukraine, the United States, and Europe, and stated that the parties share a common responsibility for the results of the negotiations.
“I concluded a separate meeting with representatives from the United States and European partners – France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. We discussed the outcomes of today’s round of negotiations and synchronized our approaches regarding the next steps. It is important to maintain a shared vision and coordination of actions between Ukraine, the United States, and Europe. There is an understanding of our common responsibility for the outcome. We will continue working.”
On February 17, the work of the political block of the negotiations concluded. According to Umerov, the discussions focused on practical aspects and mechanisms for possible solutions, with both the political and military blocks completing their work on the first day. Umerov also reported that he would inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the progress of the negotiations, which are set to continue on February 18.
International Support and Progress of Preliminary Negotiations
It became known that advisors on national security from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy were monitoring the negotiations in Geneva. Representatives of the Russian delegation stated that the talks lasted six hours and were marked by a “very tense” atmosphere.
The meetings are taking place against the backdrop of a massive attack by Russia, which launched a missile and drone assault on Ukraine on the night of February 17, using 29 missiles and 396 strike drones.
It is worth noting that previous rounds of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, took place on January 23–24 and February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The parties did not achieve significant breakthroughs regarding the cessation of hostilities; however, on February 5, they managed to agree on a prisoner exchange — the first such case in the last five months.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the two-day discussions in Abu Dhabi as “constructive and focused on how to create conditions for lasting peace.” The issue of a ceasefire was also discussed during the negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted after the negotiations on February 4 that the number of unresolved issues between Ukraine and Russia regarding a peace agreement is decreasing, but the most challenging topics remain, particularly territorial issues.