The diplomatic push to halt the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies as the third round of US-mediated talks is scheduled for Geneva next week. Turkish news agency Anadolu Agency reports the meetings will occur on February 17-18 in the Swiss city, a hub for international diplomacy.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov shared the update in a briefing, confirming consensus among Russia, Ukraine, and the US. ‘It’s locked in for next week—we’ll share precise details shortly,’ he noted.
Building on momentum from Abu Dhabi, where two rounds yielded a landmark prisoner exchange agreement, these talks aim to tackle sticking points. For the first time in five months, each side released 157 detainees, blending soldiers and civilians, as announced by President Zelenskyy.
US negotiator Steve Witkoff lauded the progress as ‘substantial,’ but stressed the road ahead is long. Key hurdles—territorial claims, truce terms, and long-term security—saw no resolution in prior sessions, with no unified communiqués issued.
Ukrainian official Rustem Umerov reiterated calls for enduring peace, though details stayed vague. The absence of joint declarations highlights persistent rifts.
Geneva’s selection signals a shift to a more prominent stage, potentially inviting wider involvement. With Istanbul emerging as a backchannel hub, analysts see this as a critical juncture.
Prisoner swaps offer humanitarian relief, but true cessation requires addressing root causes. Stakeholders urge bold compromises to prevent further devastation, as the conflict’s toll mounts.