On February 17, Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. convened in Geneva for a new round of trilateral peace talks, as efforts intensify to negotiate a settlement to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This two-day meeting, the third in a series since January, comes at a time when the U.S. is urging both parties to reach a deal by summer, yet preceding discussions have not resulted in significant progress. National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov highlighted that security and humanitarian issues are key topics on the agenda, emphasizing a constructive approach to the negotiations without raising expectations excessively.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had noted earlier that critical matters, particularly concerning territorial disputes and the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, remain contentious and unresolved. The talks come in the wake of previous negotiations held in Abu Dhabi, where similarly sensitive subjects showed little sign of resolution. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that this latest round would encompass a wider range of issues compared to the more limited focus in the UAE, suggesting an intention from Moscow to adopt a tougher negotiating stance.

As the dialogue unfolds, the implications of these negotiations could be significant not only for Ukraine and Russia but also for the broader geopolitical landscape. The ongoing conflict has already drawn in multiple international stakeholders, and U.S. mediation underscores its strategic interest in stabilizing the region. However, with Moscow signaling a harder line, the potential for meaningful resolutions remains uncertain, posing challenges for all parties involved as they navigate complex security and humanitarian concerns.