Efforts to end the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict have taken a significant step forward with the announcement of a third round of peace negotiations. Set to unfold in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17-18, these talks will continue under the crucial mediation of the United States.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the development during a press briefing, stating that all parties have agreed to convene next week. ‘We will provide the exact location and dates soon, but it’s definitely happening next week,’ Peskov assured reporters.
This follows two prior rounds of discussions held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, earlier this month and in January. Those sessions marked the first time both sides reached an agreement on prisoner exchanges, a breakthrough after months of stalemate.
In the most recent talks, Russia and Ukraine committed to a large-scale swap of captives, releasing 157 individuals from each side—the first such exchange in nearly five months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that the freed prisoners included both military personnel and civilians, calling it a vital humanitarian gesture.
However, core issues like territorial disputes, ceasefire arrangements, and security guarantees remain unresolved. No joint statements on political or security matters emerged from the Abu Dhabi meetings, underscoring deep divisions.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described the negotiations as ‘concrete and positive,’ praising the prisoner swap agreement. Yet, he cautioned that resolving the full conflict demands sustained diplomatic push.
Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov emphasized demands for a ‘respectable and lasting peace,’ though specific outcomes were not disclosed.
As global attention turns to Geneva, hopes are high that this neutral venue could foster progress toward de-escalation. The international community watches closely, aware that breakthroughs here could pave the way for broader peace initiatives amid ongoing hostilities.