KYIV: The Ukrainian delegation has departed for Geneva, where a new round of US-mediated peace talks with Russia is scheduled for February 17–18, according to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential office.
Writing on Telegram, Budanov posted a photograph of himself and two other members of the delegation in front of a train carriage, saying they were en route to Switzerland.
“Heading to Geneva. The next round of negotiations is ahead. On the way, we will discuss the lessons of our history with our colleagues and look for the right conclusions. Ukraine’s interests must be protected,” he wrote.
The upcoming discussions are expected to take place in a trilateral format involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States.
The first round of such consultations this year was held in Abu Dhabi on January 23–24, with the Russian delegation led by Igor Kostyukov, chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. A second round followed in the UAE capital on February 4–5.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed last week that the next round of negotiations on the Ukraine conflict would be held in Geneva on February 17–18 in the same trilateral format.
