As the four-year anniversary of the Ukraine war approaches, a third round of talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia is set to take place on February 17-18 in Geneva, as confirmed by the Kremlin. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, communicated that these discussions will follow the previous format and aim to address potential resolutions to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Unlike the previous meeting in Abu Dhabi, where Russia dispatched high-ranking military officials, this time, Vladimir Medinsky, the presidential advisor who played a significant role in earlier negotiations, will lead the delegation. The stakes are high, as conflicting reports suggest that Ukraine might conduct a nationwide referendum on peace before May's presidential elections, although President Volodymyr Zelensky has made clear that elections could only proceed under conditions of a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine.

The focus of the negotiations is primarily on the territorial issues surrounding the Donbas region, where both Russia and Ukraine are at a stalemate. Russia is pushing for Ukraine's withdrawal from the contested area, while Ukraine is contemplating proposals from the US to establish a demilitarized zone or a free economic zone in the region. Additionally, President Zelensky is attending the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the need for Western nations, including the US, to increase pressure on Russia to navigate towards a ceasefire.