US President Donald Trump has spoken by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as senior U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators prepare to meet in Geneva on Thursday, in what could be a pivotal step toward fresh peace talks with Russia.
Trump–Zelenskyy call ahead of Geneva talks
Zelenskyy confirmed that he held a 30‑minute call with Trump on Wednesday, focused on preparations for U.S.–Ukraine talks in Geneva and the next phase of trilateral negotiations involving Russia. The conversation came just after Ukraine marked four years since the start of Russia’s full‑scale invasion, underscoring the urgency of efforts to reach at least a framework for peace.
According to Ukrainian officials, the leaders discussed strategy for the upcoming meeting between Ukraine’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as Trump adviser Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy has repeatedly said that any talks must deliver real security guarantees for Ukraine and cannot force Kyiv into territorial concessions that reward Russian aggression.
The call also covered humanitarian priorities, including prisoner‑of‑war exchanges and a proposed “prosperity package” for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction, which Kyiv hopes will be anchored by long‑term Western investment and security commitments. Trump’s team has framed the outreach as part of a renewed U.S. push to “end the bloodshed once and for all” while maintaining strong defense and economic ties with Ukraine.
What’s planned in Geneva on Thursday
On Thursday in Geneva, Umerov is scheduled to meet Witkoff and Kushner for detailed talks on a roadmap that could lead to the next round of U.S.‑brokered trilateral negotiations with Russia in early March. The Swiss city has emerged as a key venue for these contacts after earlier sessions in both Geneva and Abu Dhabi failed to produce a major breakthrough.
Zelenskyy said the agenda for Geneva will center on three main points: a comprehensive postwar recovery plan, concrete steps toward a large‑scale prisoner exchange, and coordination of Ukraine’s position ahead of direct engagement with Russian envoys. Umerov’s team is also expected to brief U.S. negotiators on the latest battlefield realities and Ukraine’s security needs, from air defenses to long‑range strike capabilities.
- The meeting is part of a broader diplomatic track that also includes ongoing U.S.–Iran nuclear discussions in Geneva, highlighting the city’s role as a hub for parallel high‑stakes negotiations.
- U.S. officials have signaled they are “exploring different iterations” of potential peace formulas, but stress that no deal will be imposed on Kyiv.
American lawmakers, including key senators who recently visited Kyiv, continue to push for robust military aid and “ironclad” security guarantees for Ukraine under any eventual settlement. Analysts warn that without such guarantees, Moscow could use any pause in fighting to regroup and launch new offensives in the future.
Stakes for Ukraine, Russia, and the US
The Geneva talks take place as Russia’s invasion enters its fifth year, with tens of thousands killed and vast areas of eastern and southern Ukraine devastated. Moscow is still demanding full control of the Donetsk region and other occupied territories, while Kyiv insists that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and ensure protection from renewed attacks.
Trump’s engagement with Zelenskyy and the deployment of high‑profile envoys reflect Washington’s determination to remain the central mediator in any negotiated end to the conflict. For Kyiv, the process is an opportunity to secure long‑term Western backing for reconstruction and defense, but also a potential risk if pressure builds to accept unfavorable terms on territory or sovereignty.
Diplomats caution that Thursday’s session in Geneva is a preparatory step rather than a final deal, but say it will help define the structure and timing of the next trilateral meeting with Russia, tentatively expected around the first week of March. Observers can follow developments through reliable international outlets such as the BBC and Reuters, as well as official updates from Ukraine’s presidential office and the U.S. State Department, which regularly publish briefings and documents on the evolving peace efforts. For deeper context on the war and prior negotiation tracks, background reports from organizations like the International Crisis Group and the Council on Foreign Relations offer comprehensive analysis of possible end‑game scenarios and security frameworks for Ukraine.
Leave a comment