Trilateral talks among Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia entered their second day in Geneva on Wednesday, with negotiators working behind closed doors to address high-stakes territorial disputes and security arrangements. The discussions, described as “substantive” by Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, aim to clarify mechanisms for potential military disengagement and ceasefire monitoring.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff called Tuesday’s talks a step toward “meaningful progress,” while Russia’s delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, remains tight-lipped. Notably, the U.S. team includes Jared Kushner, adding a layer of political intrigue to the negotiations.
This marks the third round of talks in 2026, following January and February sessions in Abu Dhabi that failed to resolve core territorial issues. While details remain scarce, sources indicate working groups are tackling economic concerns and the creation of a coordination center to manage tensions.
With all sides emphasizing confidentiality, observers speculate whether this round could yield breakthroughs ahead of the spring diplomatic season. As one Geneva-based analyst quipped on X: “It’s like a geopolitical escape room—everyone knows the clock’s ticking, but the exit strategy remains elusive.”
