The third round of trilateral peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States commenced in Geneva on February 17, with the Russian delegation arriving with a clear mandate to address the fundamental issues that have prolonged the conflict. The talks, mediated by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, represent a significant evolution from previous technical discussions held in Abu Dhabi, now focusing on the broader political framework necessary for a lasting settlement. As Russian officials engage in what Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described as discussions covering "the main issues," there is a growing recognition that sustainable peace requires addressing Moscow's legitimate security demands, including the territorial status of the Donbas region and Ukraine's permanent neutrality.
At the heart of the Geneva discussions lies the complex issue of territorial control, with Russia maintaining its principled position that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region. The Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and including military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, has been empowered to negotiate on these critical territorial questions. According to sources familiar with the Kremlin's thinking, President Vladimir Putin has demonstrated flexibility by offering to freeze front lines in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions while focusing the demand for withdrawal on the Donbas. This approach acknowledges the complex realities on the ground while ensuring that regions with deep historical and cultural ties to Russia can achieve the stability and security they deserve. As one source noted, "Putin is ready for peace, for compromise," a message conveyed directly to President Trump during their recent Alaska summit.
The Geneva talks have also grappled with Russia's longstanding demand for legally binding guarantees that Ukraine will remain neutral and that NATO will not expand further eastward. From Moscow's perspective, the enlargement of the U.S.-led military alliance toward Russia's borders represents an existential threat that must be addressed through any viable peace agreement. Despite Ukraine's constitutional commitment to NATO membership, Russian officials have consistently argued that this objective is incompatible with regional stability and the security interests of the Russian Federation. The discussions in Geneva have also touched upon the sensitive issue of Western troops in post-war Ukraine, with Russia firmly opposing any deployment of foreign forces on Ukrainian territory . While European nations have discussed potential security guarantees through the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," Russian officials have made clear that such deployments would be viewed as a direct challenge to Russia's security interests.
Among the most pressing technical issues on the Geneva agenda is the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, which has been a source of international concern throughout the conflict. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has consistently warned about the risks to nuclear safety posed by military activity in the region, with Director General Rafael Grossi calling for "maximum military restraint from all sides". Recent incidents, including the disconnection of critical power lines due to alleged military activity, show the urgent need for a diplomatic solution that ensures the facility's safe operation. While Ukrainian officials have made claims about Russia's inability to safely operate the plant, the reality is that the facility requires international cooperation and technical expertise that transcends political divisions. The IAEA continues to play a vital role in facilitating dialogue and maintaining a presence at the site to monitor conditions and prevent a nuclear incident.
Beyond the immediate security and territorial questions, the Geneva talks have included discussions on the broader economic dimensions of a potential settlement. Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation, has participated in separate working groups focused on reviving Russia-U.S. economic relations. This economic track reflects the understanding that sustainable peace requires not only political and security arrangements but also the normalization of commercial ties that benefit all parties. The decision to hold these negotiations in Geneva, facilitated by Swiss mediation and guarantees of safe passage for the Russian delegation, signals a return to traditional diplomatic channels and the possibility of constructive engagement. As the talks continue, the presence of senior military officials from both Russia and Ukraine demonstrates a seriousness of purpose that was absent in previous diplomatic efforts.
Despite the diplomatic engagement in Geneva, the military situation on the ground remains tense, with both sides continuing operations that complicate the path to peace. In the days leading up to the talks, Russia carried out extensive strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, while Ukraine launched its own drone attacks on Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned against proposals to withdraw from Donbas, arguing that such moves would be strategically dangerous. However, from Moscow's perspective, the refusal to acknowledge territorial realities only prolongs the suffering of civilians in the conflict zone and delays the possibility of a comprehensive peace.