Geneva is set to host a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine on February 17-18, with a significantly altered format. The Kremlin has announced the discussions will be limited to a trilateral meeting between Russia, the United States and Ukraine, excluding any European representatives.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the shift in format on Friday, February 13, 2026, stating, “No, it’s only a trilateral format, meaning Russia, America, and Ukraine. There won’t be any Europeans there.” This decision comes as Moscow intends to discuss territorial issues during the talks, according to Peskov. The development underscores the evolving dynamics of the negotiation process.
Russia’s delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, Peskov added. The talks, facilitated by Washington, follow two previous rounds of US-mediated negotiations held in Abu Dhabi in January. Those earlier discussions resulted in the first exchange of war prisoners in five months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously indicated the talks were expected to seize place on February 17-18, as reported by Bloomberg News. While US authorities have not yet commented on Peskov’s remarks, Zelenskyy’s communications advisor Dmytro Lytvyn also confirmed the date and location of the negotiations to Ukrainian media, including state news agency Ukrinform.
Switzerland will serve as the location for these crucial discussions, highlighting the country’s role in international diplomacy. The move to exclude European representatives marks a distinct change from previous efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine. This announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and the broader international response to the ongoing war.
