February 27, 2026, 1:44 p.mFebruary 27, 2026, 1:44 p.m
After separate talks between the Ukrainian and Russian sides with US envoys in Geneva this week, the Kremlin has confirmed preparations for new trilateral negotiations.
A new round of negotiations is planned, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian agencies. As soon as there is an agreement on a date and location, we will be informed. At the same time, he complained: “So far there have been no significant changes in the Kiev regime’s positions.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.Image: sda
The Ukrainian side had previously announced talks for early March in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Kiev negotiator Rustem Umjerow held talks in Geneva on Thursday with, among others, US chief negotiator Steve Witkoff. “We are working on finalizing the security parameters, economic solutions and coordinating positions that will form the basis for further agreements,” he said on Telegram.
The US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.Image: keystone
In Geneva, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev also met with Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. According to Kremlin spokesman Peskov, it was again about possible future economic relations between Russia and the USA. Dmitriyev also informed Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin about the contacts. Peskov did not give any details. When there are results, the public will be informed, he said.
Dmitriev’s return flight from Geneva was reportedly accompanied by problems
The Russian state news agency Tass, citing contacts in aviation security, reported that the Europeans had encountered difficulties with the flight routes on Dmitriev’s return flight. Because of the EU sanctions, Russian planes are largely banned from flying, which is why special flights always have to be negotiated directly. The Russians often complain about hindrances and prefer Abu Dhabi for the meetings.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Image: EPA PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE
The direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia under US mediation had recently stalled. Both sides accused each other of preferring to fight for victory on the battlefield rather than struggle for a solution at the negotiating table. Above all, Russia insists that Ukraine also give up those areas in the Donetsk region that it still has under its control. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejects such “gifts”.
The war entered its fifth year this week. In its defense campaign, Ukraine is relying primarily on further military aid from the EU worth billions. (sda/dpa)