Ukraine leader says U.S. often asks for concessions before Geneva talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States too often asks Ukraine to make concessions, and he called for clearer proposals from Russia. Trilateral delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. are due to meet in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the Munich Security Conference ahead of U.S.-brokered talks in Geneva. He said Ukraine is being asked too often to make concessions and called for clearer compromises from Russia. Russia announced a change in its lead negotiator, which Ukraine described as a surprise. Delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States are scheduled to meet in Geneva next Tuesday and Wednesday. What is known: - Zelenskyy said U.S. officials often return to the topic of concessions and that discussions frequently focus on what Ukraine might give up rather than what Russia would offer. - Trilateral meetings involving Ukrainian, Russian and U.S. delegations are scheduled in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. - Russia named Vladimir Medinsky as its lead negotiator for the Geneva talks, a change Ukraine said appeared intended to delay decisions. Summary: Zelenskyy’s remarks underline ongoing concerns in Kyiv about pressure to make territorial or other concessions as diplomatic discussions continue. The immediate next step is the U.S.-brokered trilateral meeting in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, where negotiators will discuss possible terms; the outcome remains undetermined at this time.