Zelenskyy: Russia trying to drag out talks that could already have reached final stage
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the course of negotiations in Geneva on resolving Russia's war against Ukraine, has said that Russia is trying to drag out the talks.
Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)
Quote: "Yesterday's meetings were indeed difficult, and we can state that Russia is trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage."
Details: Zelenskyy said that during a meeting with the Ukrainian negotiating team, he has "set a clear task for the Ukrainian delegation – to do everything possible so that the negotiations are nonetheless productive and increase the chances for peaceful solutions".
The president noted that the meetings held on 17 February in Geneva were difficult and thanked the US side for its attention to detail and patience in discussions with the current representatives of Russia.
Zelenskyy also stressed that the Ukrainian side considers Europe's participation in the negotiation process to be critically necessary for the successful implementation of any agreements that may be reached going forward.
"Ukraine has no doubt that partners are capable of ensuring the constructiveness of the negotiation process and, therefore, a dignified result," he added.
Background:
- On 18 February, the second day of negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine, the United States and Russia began in Geneva.
- On 17 February, a new round of talks began in Geneva, during which, according to Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umierov, the delegations were focusing on security and humanitarian issues.
- Meanwhile, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported that the Geneva talks had "got stuck", adding that the reason was the positions presented by Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky.
- US President Donald Trump said ahead of the trilateral talks in Geneva that Ukraine "better come to the table fast".
- On the night before the talks began, Russia conducted a large-scale attack on Ukraine.
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