The source told reporter Joe Barnes after the first day of meetings that both sides had committed to refraining from public commentary on the substance of the negotiations.
On the second day, a Ukrainian official suggested that a “temporary ceasefire” remains in effect.
Another Ukrainian official, speaking after leaving the negotiating room, said progress had been made in discussions on how the armed forces of both sides would approach ending the war. However, the same level of detail was not achieved in political talks related to territorial issues and security guarantees.
The article notes that Washington must now assess the positions of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin before organizing the next round of negotiations.
A U.S. official familiar with the talks said the parties would return to Geneva soon.
The latest round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia concluded in Geneva on Feb. 18.
Zelenskyy said the negotiations were difficult and that progress had been achieved only on military issues. In particular, the sides agreed on monitoring a ceasefire with U.S. participation.
Axios reported that the talks had “stalled” due to Russia’s position, while U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said the meetings resulted in “substantial progress.”
Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov said the talks were challenging but important.
“The latest round of negotiations in Geneva has concluded. The conversation was not easy, but it was important. Together with the team, we are preparing to continue soon. We will endure!” Budanov wrote.
The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, described the discussions as “businesslike.”
On Feb. 19, Zelenskyy said he had scheduled a special meeting on Feb. 20 with the Ukrainian negotiating team that returned from Geneva to discuss next steps.