The latest round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva concluded on Wednesday without a major breakthrough, as the war approaches its fifth year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of 'trying to drag out' the process, noting that no agreement was reached on the most contentious issues.
Zelenskyy highlighted the status of Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as key unresolved matters. He described discussions along military and political tracks as 'constructive' on the military side, but emphasised that political will is needed for a ceasefire.
The second day of talks lasted only two hours, underscoring the distance still to be covered despite US President Donald Trump's promises to end the war quickly. Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, called the discussions 'difficult but businesslike' and indicated that further rounds are planned.
Key sticking points include territorial concessions demanded by Moscow and security guarantees sought by Kyiv. Zelenskyy has insisted that any territorial compromise must follow firm security commitments from Western allies, while the Trump administration has pushed for concessions first. European leaders doubt Russian President Vladimir Putin will compromise unless pressured by battlefield or domestic setbacks.
