Zelenskyy Says Talks With Moscow Were ‘Difficult’ as No Deal Emerges

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Geneva: A fresh round of U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded in Geneva on Wednesday without an agreement on ending the nearly four-year conflict. The two-day meeting, intended to move negotiations forward, fell short of resolving the deepest disagreements between Kyiv and Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the discussions as “difficult” and said the parties made only limited headway, with vast differences persisting over territorial control and political terms that would form the basis of any peace settlement. He also accused Russian negotiators of dragging out the process rather than narrowing their positions.

Both sides agreed that some progress occurred on military-related issues, including how a future ceasefire could be monitored with U.S. involvement, but the central political disputes particularly over Russia’s demands for territorial concessions and Ukraine’s insistence on retaining sovereignty remained unresolved. Reuters noted that these issues have repeatedly hindered previous negotiation attempts.

Russia’s delegation framed the talks as “difficult but businesslike,” with its lead negotiator indicating further discussions are expected, though no dates were announced. Kyiv’s team, while noting modest movement on technical matters, reiterated that any substantive peace agreement would require concrete security guarantees and respect for Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.

The Geneva sessions were held amid continued fighting on the ground, with Moscow’s forces sustaining pressure across eastern regions even as diplomats met. Western media reported that ongoing hostilities underscore how disconnected battlefield realities remain from the diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict.

Despite the lack of a breakthrough, U.S. officials and representatives from European partners have signalled their intent to continue engaging both sides. Washington has urged renewed talks, although officials acknowledge that reaching a lasting peace will require overcoming entrenched positions and finding compromise on the most sensitive issues.
Photo Credit: X/@ZelenskyyUa