Geneva – A Russian delegation has arrived in Geneva for another round of talks with Ukrainian and US representatives, as Moscow continues a campaign of drone strikes against Ukrainian territory. The negotiations, brokered by the United States, come amid growing pressure from Washington for Kyiv to accelerate discussions towards a potential peace agreement, and as Ukraine claims its most significant battlefield gains in over two years.
According to Russian state media, Russian air defenses repelled more than 150 Ukrainian drones overnight, with Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev of Russian-annexed Crimea reporting two dozen drones were shot down in what he described as “one of the longest attacks in recent times.” Razvozhayev also reported one child was wounded in the attacks. These strikes precede the Geneva talks, signaling a continued military pressure from both sides despite the diplomatic efforts.
The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, a nationalist hawk and former culture minister now serving as an advisor to President Vladimir Putin. Igor Kostyukov, the head of Russian military intelligence, is also part of the team, with Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy, focusing on economic issues in a separate working group. Ukraine’s team is headed by former defense minister Rustem Umerov, while the US is represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
The renewed focus on negotiations follows a period of incremental Ukrainian battlefield successes. Data analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates that Ukraine recaptured 201 square kilometers (78 square miles) of territory between Wednesday and Sunday last week. This represents the largest land reclaimed by Kyiv in a single period since a counter-offensive launched in June 2023, and is almost equivalent to the total Russian gains for the entire month of December. The ISW attributes this success, in part, to a disruption of Starlink satellite internet access for Russian forces, following announcements by Elon Musk of “measures” to end the Kremlin’s use of the technology.
The Kremlin’s decision to reinstate Medinsky as lead negotiator signals a broadening of the discussion beyond purely military matters. A spokesperson for President Putin stated that the talks will now focus on “key issues related to the territories and other demands.” This suggests Russia is prepared to press its claims over occupied territories, particularly the remaining 20% of the Donetsk region that remains under Ukrainian control, a key sticking point in previous negotiations.
The timing of these talks is also influenced by mounting pressure from the United States for Ukraine to engage more actively in peace discussions. President Trump, while en route to Washington, urged Ukraine to “come to the table, fast.” This sentiment reflects a growing desire within some US political circles to bring the conflict to a conclusion, even if it requires concessions from Kyiv.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for continued international pressure on Russia and robust security guarantees for Ukraine. In a social media post Monday, Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s continued attacks, “speak volumes about how Russia regards the partners’ diplomatic efforts.” He added that “only with sufficient pressure on Russia and clear security guarantees for Ukraine can this war realistically be brought to an end.”
The Geneva talks represent the third round of trilateral negotiations, following previous meetings in the United Arab Emirates in January and early February. While those earlier discussions were described as “constructive” by both sides, they failed to yield any significant breakthroughs. The current round of talks is taking place against a backdrop of continued fighting, escalating drone warfare, and diverging perspectives on the path towards a lasting peace.
The core issue remains land. Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede control of the remaining portion of the Donetsk region it does not currently occupy. Ukraine has consistently rejected this demand, viewing it as a violation of its territorial integrity. The US position, while advocating for a negotiated settlement, has also emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial boundaries.
Expectations for a swift resolution remain low. The conflicting objectives of the parties involved, coupled with the ongoing military operations, present significant obstacles to progress. However, the fact that negotiations are continuing at all suggests a willingness to explore potential avenues for de-escalation, even as the conflict enters its third year. The outcome of these talks will likely have profound implications for the future of Ukraine, the security architecture of Europe, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
