Overview
- The two-day, closed-door round in Geneva began Feb. 17, expanding the agenda beyond ceasefire mechanics to territorial issues, the Zaporizhzhia plant, security guarantees and economic tracks.
- Russia’s team is led by Vladimir Medinsky with Igor Kostyukov and Mikhail Galuzin, Ukraine’s by Rustem Umerov with Kyrylo Budanov, and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in attendance.
- The Kremlin flagged territory as the main issue, with Moscow still demanding Ukraine cede the remaining share of Donetsk it does not control, a condition Kyiv rejects.
- U.S. and allied military leaders, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, are reported to be engaging on ceasefire monitoring and implementation concepts.
- Signals from Moscow include talk of temporary external management in Kyiv and support for a one-day election ceasefire, while continued strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and hardened positions keep expectations for a breakthrough low.