Zelenskyy Briefed on Peace Talks, Sets Next Round for February

Switzerland Hosts Diplomatic Talks

According to Главком: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a report from his negotiating team following meetings held in Switzerland. The Ukrainian side plans to organize another round of talks in February. These negotiations, which involved representatives from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, concluded in Geneva, but the parties failed to reach a common position on territorial issues.

During the briefing, Zelenskyy noted that aspects were discussed which could not be adequately addressed over the phone. He expressed gratitude to the team for their clear work within the given directives and for their patience during what are often difficult and unproductive conversations with the Russian side. The President emphasized that United States representatives are also making efforts to ensure the talks are constructive, and stated that Ukraine fully supports these endeavors.

Humanitarian Issues and European Partners' Role

Zelenskyy also reported that Ukraine's responses to the most complex questions ahead of the next meeting are already prepared. He noted that the priorities for the Ukrainian negotiating team in the trilateral format with the United States are defined, and the team will continue working to prepare leaders for the meeting to resolve issues that cannot yet be settled at the team level.

Separately, the President focused on humanitarian issues, stating that prisoner-of-war exchanges must continue, and he expects an exchange to become possible in the near future. He also highlighted the role of European partners, stressing that Europe is working towards ending the war and its role should grow. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine always defends common European interests and will coordinate with its partners.

The Geneva talks underscore the complex state of relations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, particularly regarding territorial integrity and humanitarian aspects like prisoner exchanges. These negotiations are part of a long-standing diplomatic effort to resolve the conflict that began with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The next round of talks in February could become a significant step in finding paths toward a peaceful resolution. The emphasis on European partners' efforts also points to the crucial importance of sustained international support in this process.