Russian delegation arrives in Geneva for new round of Ukraine talks

A plane carrying a Russian delegation led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky has landed in Geneva, according to Russia’s Interfax, which cited a source in aviation circles.

The delegation is preparing to take part in a new round of negotiations on the war in Ukraine. The flight reportedly lasted more than eight hours and crossed Türkiye, the eastern Mediterranean and Italy en route to Switzerland.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Medinsky has consistently headed the Russian delegation at the talks. During previous consultations in Abu Dhabi, however, the Russian side was led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, as those discussions focused on security and military matters.

The next round of Russia–US–Ukraine consultations is scheduled to take place in Geneva on February 17–18. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would be represented by Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and by Jared Kushner, an entrepreneur and son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

The first two rounds of negotiations were held in Abu Dhabi on January 23–24 and February 4–5.

Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism about Moscow’s intentions, arguing that Russia remains unwilling to compromise on its territorial and political demands while continuing military operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media on February 16 that, even ahead of the planned trilateral meetings in Geneva, the Russian army appeared to have no orders other than to continue striking Ukraine, which he said reflected Moscow’s attitude toward diplomatic efforts.

By Sabina Mammadli