GENEVA: Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia concluded Wednesday after just two hours, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy calling them “difficult” and accusing Russia of delaying progress. The U.S.-mediated talks aimed to find a pathway to end the four-year war, but key differences remain unresolved. Millions affected by the conflict are watching for any breakthroughs.
Zelenskiy said, “Progress has been made, but positions differ because the negotiations were difficult.” Kyiv’s negotiator, Rustem Umerov, described the second day as “intensive and substantive,” with both sides preparing decisions for their presidents. Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said talks would continue soon, without specifying a date.
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Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of negotiating in bad faith, amid ongoing Russian airstrikes and a winter offensive targeting Ukraine’s energy system. Zelenskiy also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for Ukraine, not Russia, to make concessions. He rejected any plan requiring Ukraine to cede territory not captured by Russia in the eastern Donbas region.
The Geneva talks followed two prior rounds in Abu Dhabi, which failed to bridge gaps on core issues, including territorial control. Ukraine has been urging European involvement in negotiations, calling it “indispensable,” while leading nations such as France, Germany, and the UK have supported Kyiv’s stance.
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The meetings come just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s 2022 invasion, which has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea and parts of eastern Donbas. Ukrainian bonds fell after reports of stalled progress, highlighting concerns over the conflict’s ongoing economic and humanitarian impact.