Trilateral Talks Conclude in Geneva
Representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States concluded two days of talks in Geneva aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The meetings extended late into Tuesday and continued briefly on Wednesday.
Officials involved in the discussions said the negotiations were difficult. No comprehensive agreement was announced following the conclusion of the sessions.
Limited Progress Reported on Military Issues
A Ukrainian diplomatic source said some progress was made on military-related issues.
These discussions reportedly included topics such as the location of front lines and mechanisms for monitoring any future ceasefire. However, no formal agreements were confirmed.
Territorial Dispute Remains Central Obstacle
Talks over territory remain unresolved. Russia has maintained its demand for full control of the eastern Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukrainian officials have said relinquishing control of this territory is unacceptable and that no ceasefire can be finalized without addressing the territorial issue.
Separate Meeting Held After Main Session
Following the conclusion of the main trilateral talks, the Russian negotiator held a closed-door meeting with the Ukrainian delegation.
The private session lasted about 90 minutes. No public details were released regarding the content of that meeting.
Officials Describe Talks as Difficult but Ongoing
Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said the talks were businesslike and that another meeting would take place soon.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky described the discussions as challenging due to the wide differences between the two sides. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the talks were substantive and intensive, adding that further work is required.
Prisoner Exchange Discussions Continue
The most recent direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in January in Abu Dhabi. That round of talks resulted in a prisoner exchange.
Zelensky indicated that another exchange may be possible following the current discussions, though no timeline was provided.
US Urges Faster Progress
US President Donald Trump has signaled frustration with the pace of negotiations. He said earlier this week that Ukraine should return to the negotiating table quickly.
Zelensky rejected the suggestion that Ukraine should be pressured to make concessions, saying such expectations are unfair given the circumstances of the conflict.
Nuclear Plant and Security Guarantees Raised
Another unresolved issue in the talks is the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been under Russian control since 2022.
Ukraine has sought the return of the facility and has previously suggested the possibility of international involvement in its management. Russian officials have not indicated support for such proposals.
Ukrainian officials have also emphasized the need for security guarantees from Western partners to deter future attacks.
European Officials Participate on Sidelines
Officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy were present in Geneva and met separately with Ukrainian representatives.
Ukrainian officials said European involvement is necessary for any lasting agreement. European representatives have sought greater inclusion in the US-led negotiation process.
War Nears Fourth Anniversary
The talks take place as the conflict approaches the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The war has resulted in tens of thousands of military and civilian casualties and has displaced millions of people. Daily aerial attacks continue to affect communities across Ukraine.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
About the Author
