Ukraine has officially announced the preliminary composition of its delegation for the next round of trilateral peace negotiations with Russia and the United States, scheduled to take place on February 17–18 in Geneva. The announcement was made by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
Delegation Formed Under Zelensky’s Direction
According to Umerov, the delegation’s composition was defined by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and includes representatives from military, political, and security institutions, reflecting Kyiv’s strategy to address negotiations through multiple strategic dimensions.
The Ukrainian delegation will include:
- Rustem Umerov – Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council
- Kyrylo Budanov – Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry
- Andrii Hnatov – Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces
- David Arakhamia – Member of Parliament
- Serhii Kyslytsya – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Vadym Skibitskyi – Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence
Umerov emphasized that the team was assembled to develop substantive solutions within the framework defined by the Ukrainian leadership, reaffirming that Ukraine’s objective remains a “stable and lasting peace.”
Russia Confirms Participation and Delegation Changes
The Kremlin has confirmed that the negotiations will proceed as scheduled. According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, Moscow’s delegation will include at least 15 representatives.
The Russian team is expected to be led by Vladimir Medinsky, replacing Igor Kostyukov, who headed previous negotiation rounds. The delegation will also include Mikhail Galuzin.
Ukraine Reaffirms Conditions for Dialogue
President Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to engage in negotiations on neutral international platforms, with strong involvement from international partners. However, Kyiv has firmly rejected the possibility of holding negotiations on Russian territory.
The upcoming Geneva talks are widely viewed as a critical diplomatic effort amid ongoing military hostilities and growing international pressure to seek a negotiated settlement.
High Stakes for Regional and Global Stability
The negotiations are expected to address ceasefire mechanisms, territorial disputes, and long-term security guarantees, all of which remain central obstacles to reaching a comprehensive peace agreement. International observers see the talks as a significant test of diplomatic momentum following months of intensified conflict and geopolitical tension.
