Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva concluded on Wednesday after two days of U.S.-mediated discussions, with limited progress and sharp disagreements over key issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the talks as “difficult” and accused Russia of deliberately stalling a potential agreement.
Limited Progress and Tense Negotiations
The Geneva talks, held just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, focused on practical issues and potential mechanisms for a peace plan. Zelenskiy acknowledged that some progress had been made, but stressed that positions remained far apart. Russia’s chief negotiator, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, described the discussions as “difficult but business-like” and confirmed that further rounds would take place soon.
Kyiv officials, including Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s negotiating team, said the second day was “intensive and substantive,” aimed at producing proposals for presidential review. Medinsky did not provide a timeline for the next meeting.
Accusations of Bad Faith
Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of negotiating in bad faith. Zelenskiy criticized U.S. pressure on Ukraine to make concessions, stating that any plan requiring the country to cede territory in eastern Donbas — territory not captured during the initial invasion — would be rejected if subjected to a referendum.
The talks come amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure during a harsh winter, leaving hundreds of thousands without power or heating. Russian sources characterized the meetings as “very tense,” highlighting the difficulty of bridging differences on security and territorial control.
Push for European Support
Kyiv has been seeking stronger involvement from European allies, including France, Germany, and the U.K., to strengthen its negotiating position. Ukrainian officials argue that European participation is essential for a credible and enforceable peace process.
The Geneva round follows earlier U.S.-brokered negotiations in Abu Dhabi, which also ended without major breakthroughs. Russia continues to occupy roughly 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of eastern Donbas.
