A new round of negotiations on ending the Ukraine-Russia war has begun in Geneva.

Representatives from Russia, the United States and Ukraine are taking part in the closed-door discussions, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

Arrival of Delegations

The Russian delegation’s aircraft landed in Geneva on the morning of February 17. The Ukrainian delegation arrived a day earlier, on February 16, as confirmed by Kirill Budanov, head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office.

US envoy Steve Witkoff also arrived in Geneva on the morning of February 17.

Security Measures

Security has been tightened around the President Wilson Hotel, where the Russian delegation is staying.

Format of the Talks

The negotiations are being held behind closed doors, with no media access, Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry said. All three parties - Russia, the United States and Ukraine - are participating.

Composition of Delegations

The Russian delegation, comprising about 20 members, is led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky. It also includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff Igor Kostyukov.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Kirill Dmitriev, special presidential representative for investment and economic cooperation, is working separately on economic matters with the United States. Dmitriev is expected to leave Geneva on the evening of February 17 after completing his meetings.

The Ukrainian delegation includes Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Kirill Budanov, Chief of the General Staff Andrey Gnatov, Servant of the People faction leader David Arakhamia, Budanov’s deputy Sergey Kislitsa and deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Vadim Skibitsky.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner would participate. According to CNN journalist Haley Britzky, US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe Alexus Grynkewich are also expected to attend.

Visa Issuance

All members of the Russian delegation received Swiss visas. The United States reportedly urged Switzerland to ensure the rapid issuance of visas and smooth access to the negotiations. The Swiss embassy in Moscow approved visas for Russian journalists within one day, with documents valid for the duration of the trip.

Europe’s Role

According to Peskov, European representatives will not participate in the Geneva talks, although European countries had explored the possibility of joining the consultations.

Topics on the Agenda

The Geneva discussions are expected to cover a broader range of issues than previous rounds in Abu Dhabi. Peskov said all key matters, including territorial questions, will be addressed.

Sources indicated that the sides aim to reach agreement on general framework principles. The negotiations are reportedly structured across at least five tracks: territorial, military, political, economic and security issues.

Previous Rounds

The first round of trilateral talks took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24, led by Igor Kostyukov for Russia. The second round was held on February 4-5. Following that meeting, Witkoff announced that Moscow and Kiev had agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war.