The latest round of US-mediated peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine concluded in Geneva on Wednesday without a major breakthrough, as the conflict approaches its fifth year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of 'trying to drag out' the process, stating that no agreement had been reached on the most contentious issues.
Key sticking points include the status of Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian control. Zelenskyy noted that discussions covered military and political tracks, including ceasefire implementation, describing the military channel as 'constructive'. However, the second day of talks ended after just two hours, signalling limited progress.
Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, described the talks as 'difficult but businesslike' and indicated that further rounds are planned. The negotiations face hurdles over Ukrainian-held territory in the east, which Moscow demands be ceded as a precondition for halting hostilities. Kyiv has rejected these terms, though Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to consider alternative arrangements, such as a demilitarised zone.
Security guarantees remain a critical unresolved issue. Zelenskyy insists that any territorial compromise must follow firm commitments from Western allies, including the US. However, the Trump administration has pushed for Kyiv to agree to territorial concessions first, offering security guarantees only afterwards. European leaders suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to make meaningful compromises unless battlefield or domestic pressures force his hand.
Ukraine may draw some encouragement from Western intelligence assessments indicating Russia faces growing recruitment difficulties and has made only limited territorial gains this year. Ukrainian forces have conducted localised counteroffensives in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Despite Russia's economic slowdown, analysts say the pressure is insufficient to alter the Kremlin's behaviour, with the war expected to continue as long as Putin remains in power.
