International Relations

The second day of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva lasted about two hours and ended without agreement on key political issues. At the same time, the parties claim progress in the military sphere, particularly regarding the mechanism for monitoring a possible ceasefire.

Another round of negotiations between the United States and Iran on the nuclear programme took place in Geneva, following which the parties announced progress and an agreement to work on the text of a potential agreement. At the same time, both sides recognise that many complex technical issues still lie ahead.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian society would not support a peace agreement that would involve the unilateral withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the controlled part of Donbas and its transfer to Russia. According to him, any decision regarding the territories must be put to a referendum.

On the eve of the resumption of peace talks in Geneva, the situation surrounding Ukraine remains complex and controversial. Despite cautious optimism at the beginning of the year, recent events in Kyiv and Moscow have revealed new risks, and key issues of security and territory remain unresolved.

Iran and the United States agreed on the main guiding principles for further work on the nuclear deal during talks in Geneva, but the final document is still a long way off, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

On 17 February, the third round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia began in Geneva. The meetings are being held behind closed doors, and the parties are preparing to continue their work on 18 February.

On 17 February, the second round of indirect talks between the US and Iran began in Geneva, mediated by Oman. The parties are discussing restrictions on Tehran's nuclear programme and the possible lifting of US sanctions amid growing military tensions in the Middle East.

The German government has stated that it considers a strong, democratic and sovereign Ukraine to be key to the security of Germany itself, and therefore continues to consistently support Kyiv. According to Berlin's estimates, since 24 February 2022, Germany has provided or secured approximately €39 billion in bilateral civilian aid and approximately €55 billion in military support to Ukraine.

During his visit to Budapest, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that President Donald Trump is counting on Viktor Orbán's victory in the parliamentary elections on 12 April. The parties also agreed to expand their energy partnership, including the supply of American LNG and cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

Tighter sanctions from the US and the EU, reduced purchases by India, and the accumulation of stocks at sea may force Russia to reduce oil production in the coming months. Against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine, this puts additional pressure on the Kremlin's budget, where oil and gas revenues account for about a quarter of its income.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has begun naval exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, considered a key route for global oil supplies. The manoeuvres began on the eve of a new round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva.

The commanders-in-chief of the German and British armed forces have stated that rearmament is a morally justified step to protect peace. In their opinion, strengthening Europe's defence capabilities has become a necessity due to Russia's change in military strategy following its invasion of Ukraine.