Kremlin explains delegation shake-up for Geneva talks

February 17, 2026

TL;DR

Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation at the Geneva peace talks.
The agenda for the Geneva talks will expand to include territorial issues and Russian demands.
Medinsky's presence is necessary due to the broadened focus, unlike previous military-focused sessions led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, will also be part of the delegation.
Dmitriev will engage in discussions on economic cooperation.
No Western European nations will be represented at the Geneva negotiations.
Moscow's conditions for a settlement include Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbass areas, remaining outside NATO, demilitarization, denazification, and recognition of new borders including Crimea.
US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Ukraine's national security chief Rustem Umerov, will also attend.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected territorial concessions.

Continue reading the original article