Russia and Ukraine peace talks in Geneva could change the war after four years

This is the first major meeting brokered by the US since the war began nearly four years ago. While leaders met in a hotel, Russia launched more than 420 missiles and drones at Ukraine.
By Newsroom | World News, Geneva |

Geneva, Switzerland – Delegations from Russia and Ukraine convened in Geneva for the initial day of US-brokered peace talks, marking a significant diplomatic effort as the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary. The discussions, held under tight security, aimed to address the protracted conflict, even as hostilities continued on the ground.

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  • Key Event: First day of US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland.

  • Timing: Occurred a week before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

  • Participants: Delegations from Russia and Ukraine, with US involvement in brokering. Other national security advisors were also present.

  • Outcome: The first day concluded without public declarations, with further talks scheduled.

Background to the Negotiations

The peace talks in Geneva represent a renewed effort to de-escalate the conflict that began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These discussions occur against a backdrop of continued military action, underscoring the urgency and complexity of the situation.

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  • Timeline: The talks took place on February 17th, nearly four years after the start of the invasion.

  • Brokering Entity: The United States played a key role in facilitating these negotiations.

  • Context: Previous rounds of talks have focused on specific security and humanitarian issues, with descriptions of those prior discussions being "positive" by both sides.

  • External Factors: The talks coincided with indirect US discussions with Iran in the same city, suggesting a broader diplomatic landscape.

Proceedings of the First Day

The initial day of talks focused on political discussions and was kept private. Representatives from both nations, along with US officials, met at the Intercontinental Hotel.

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  • Duration: The first round of political discussions lasted from approximately 2 pm to 6 pm.

  • Secrecy: The proceedings were kept "tightly under wraps," with no official statements released immediately after the day's conclusion.

  • Continuation: Both delegations confirmed that working groups would continue discussions on the following morning.

  • Notable Absence of Public Declaration: The day concluded without any declarations from the participants.

Simultaneous Hostilities and Diplomatic Efforts

While diplomatic channels were open in Geneva, military actions persisted. Ukraine reported significant Russian strikes across its territory, impacting energy infrastructure.

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  • Ukrainian Reports: Ukraine stated that Russia launched over 420 drones and missiles at various targets nationwide.

  • Impact: These strikes exacerbated damage to Ukraine's power grid, particularly during subzero temperatures.

  • Reciprocal Action: Ukraine also launched its own volleys of attacks on Russia overnight.

  • Casualties: Ukrainian officials reported at least three fatalities resulting from the strikes.

Official Statements and Observations

Despite the lack of official joint declarations, key figures offered brief insights into the ongoing diplomatic engagement.

"The negotiations would continue in the Swiss city on Wednesday morning."- Rustem Umerov, Top Ukrainian Negotiator

"The first day of trilateral talks between Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington concludes in Geneva, Switzerland."- Rustem Umerov, Head of the Ukrainian delegation

"Even on the day the talks started, the occupiers had carried out a new massive strike on Ukraine."- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President

"First and foremost, this concerns the United States.”- Ukrainian leader, regarding the talks.

Observations from the Negotiation Venue

The presence of various international representatives underscored the global interest in the peace process.

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  • Participants: In addition to Ukrainian and Russian delegations, US officials were present. National security advisors from Italy, Germany, Great Britain, and France also attended the talks.

  • Atmosphere: One report described the peace talks as "very tense."

Next Steps

The diplomatic process is set to resume, with continued engagement planned for the following day.

  • Scheduled Continuation: Talks were slated to resume on Wednesday morning at the same venue.

  • Focus Areas: Previous discussions have centered on security and humanitarian issues, which are likely to remain on the agenda.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Russia and Ukraine meet for peace talks in Geneva on February 17?
The two countries met because the United States helped organize a meeting to try and end the war. This meeting happened one week before the four-year anniversary of the start of the invasion.
Q: What happened during the first day of the Geneva peace talks?
The first day of talks lasted for four hours at a hotel in Switzerland and was kept very private. No big deals were announced, but both sides agreed to meet again on Wednesday morning to keep talking.
Q: How did the war continue while the peace talks were happening in Switzerland?
While leaders were talking, Russia sent more than 420 drones and missiles to attack Ukraine. These strikes killed three people and broke parts of the power grid while it was freezing cold outside.
Q: Who else attended the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations besides the two main countries?
Officials from the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy were also at the meeting. These countries are helping to lead the talks to see if they can find a way to stop the fighting.
Q: What are the next steps for the peace talks in Geneva?
The groups will start talking again on Wednesday morning at the same hotel. They are focusing on how to keep people safe and how to help those who have lost their homes during the war.