Trump’s administration pressures Ukraine for concessions as Russia announces February peace talks in Geneva.
Upcoming Geneva Talks
Dmitry Peskov announced the next round of peace talks will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 17-18, in Geneva. Delegates from the USA, Ukraine, and Russia will participate. Head of the Russian delegation will be Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Vladimir Putin. Previously, Igor Kostiukov, head of Russian military intelligence, led for Russia, indicating a lower political status for the talks.
Russia’s Uncompromising Position
The disputed status of Donbas, Crimea, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions remains unresolved. Russian politicians indicate no concessions on these matters. Failure to agree means Russia will continue the war until Ukraine surrenders, as stated by Vladimir Putin at a Russian Ministry of Defense Council meeting in December.
US Pressure on Ukraine
Ukrainian officials report the Donald Trump administration is intensifying pressure on them to make concessions towards Russia and end the war by early summer, according to the New York Times. President Volodymyr Zelensky notes the timing is not coincidental, as parliamentary elections are scheduled in Ukraine this autumn. Last week, Zelensky suggested the Trump administration’s focus may shift to other issues.
Putin’s Military Ultimatum
At the December Defense Council meeting, Putin stated Russia prefers a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine. However, if Ukraine and the West refuse “substantive talks,” Russia will “achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means,” as reported by RBC.