Russia-Ukraine Talks End Without Major Breakthrough Ahead of Fourth Anniversary of Invasion

GENEVA (Journos News)  – The latest round of U.S.-facilitated talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys concluded in Geneva on Wednesday without resolving key disputes, officials said, as the conflict nears its fourth year. Both sides described the discussions as “difficult,” highlighting the persistent gap on political issues even as some military-level dialogue showed modest progress.

Negotiations in Switzerland marked the third round of direct U.S.-brokered talks this year, following earlier meetings in Abu Dhabi that officials described as constructive but ultimately inconclusive. Expectations for significant breakthroughs in Geneva were low, reflecting the entrenched positions of Moscow and Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks were “not easy” during a brief phone call from Kyiv with his negotiating team. He reiterated criticism that Russia is attempting to prolong negotiations while continuing its military operations—a claim he has raised repeatedly alongside European leaders.

Limited Progress on Military Issues

While political disagreements remain deep, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the discussions on military matters were “constructive.” Both sides explored mechanisms for monitoring any future ceasefire, with the involvement of U.S. personnel confirmed.

“The monitoring will definitely be carried out with participation of the American side,” Zelenskyy said in a voice message shared via a media group chat on WhatsApp.

The Russian delegation, led by Kremlin adviser Vladimir Medinsky, described the talks as “difficult but businesslike.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that it was “too early” to assess the outcome, noting that President Vladimir Putin has been receiving regular updates on the discussions.

Ongoing Violence Amid Diplomacy

Despite the negotiations, fighting continues along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line. On Tuesday, shortly after the first day of talks, Russian drones killed a woman and injured two children, aged six and 18 months, in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian officials reported. Overnight, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones against Ukrainian targets, according to the Ukrainian air force.

European Involvement

Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian and U.S. envoys met with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, underlining the importance of European participation.

“Europe’s participation in the process is indispensable,” Zelenskyy said, reflecting the continent’s concern over the broader security implications of the conflict. European leaders have stressed that Ukraine’s stability directly affects their own security and have insisted on being consulted on any peace initiatives.

Diverging Political Goals

Key political differences remain unresolved. Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire and a direct meeting with Putin, but Russia is insisting on a comprehensive settlement before agreeing to any truce.

Putin’s objectives, as outlined since the invasion began on February 24, 2022, include Ukraine renouncing NATO membership, significantly downsizing its military, protecting Russian language and culture, and withdrawing Ukrainian forces from the four eastern regions partially under Russian occupation. Zelenskyy has consistently rejected concessions of Ukrainian territory.

Both sides indicated that a further round of talks is planned, though the path to a negotiated settlement remains uncertain.