Russian delegation arrived in Geneva via a nine-hour detour avoiding EU airspace for Ukraine peace talks on Feb 17.
Diplomatic Flight Path
Russian delegation reached Geneva on February 17 for trilateral Ukraine peace talks. Instead of standard routes, their plane bypassed unfriendly countries via the Black Sea, Turkey, Mediterranean, and Italy with permission, taking nine hours versus four.
According to TASS, the route avoided most EU airspace. Nexta reports the U.S. helped coordinate the path despite EU restrictions, with Switzerland guaranteeing flight security.
Tense Negotiations
Six-hour talks concluded as “tense,” with parallel Russia-U.S. bilateral meetings. Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky made no statement post-discussions. Talks continue on February 18.
European officials attended but did not enter negotiation rooms. A Western source reported “big topics and big compromises” were discussed.
Delegation Leadership
Ukraine’s delegation, led by Security Council head Rustem Umerov, completed both political and military group discussions. Russia’s delegation was headed by Putin advisor Vladimir Medinsky.
President Zelensky noted Ukraine’s readiness while accusing Russia of exploiting cold weather for attacks, with no signs of Russian flexibility for compromise.