Geneva Talks Open Amid Continued Fighting
As the Russo-Ukrainian war approaches its fourth anniversary, envoys from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have convened in Geneva, Switzerland, for a fresh round of peace negotiations aimed at ending Europe’s longest conflict since 1945. The meeting comes after earlier talks in the United Arab Emirates yielded limited results and reflected lingering divisions on the core issues that have stalled progress toward a ceasefire.
Representatives from all sides are expected to discuss a broad range of topics, with territorial control — particularly the future of the Donbas region — at the centre of the disagreements. Ukraine’s delegation, led by National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, remains firm on retaining sovereignty over its land, rejecting Moscow’s demands to cede occupied areas. Russia’s team under conservative adviser Vladimir Medinsky insists that territorial concessions are non-negotiable.
Sticking Points: Territory and Timelines
Despite strong involvement from the US, which has set an informal June deadline for a settlement, expectations for a breakthrough are low. Key diplomatic players have acknowledged that the discussions could extend into deeper disagreements over what peace would look like — from the presence of Western forces in Ukraine to the fate of regions seized by Russian troops since February 2022.
Recent diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi saw both sides label talks “constructive” but fail to narrow their gaps, particularly on territory. These earlier negotiations did yield an agreement to exchange prisoners of war, offering one of the few concrete outcomes so far.
Meanwhile, military pressure persists on both sides. Ukraine has continued deep strikes into Russian territory, while Russia maintains heavy bombardment along the front lines. These hostilities underscore the challenges negotiators face as fighting and mistrust linger.
Political Pressures and Security Guarantees
Political dynamics beyond the negotiation table are adding pressure to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at international security forums, has stressed that long-term security guarantees from Western partners will be essential for any lasting peace agreement. He has also resisted calls for presidential elections under wartime conditions, arguing that stability and safety remain prerequisites for a legitimate vote.
At the same time, the US administration’s role in the peace push has sparked internal debates, with officials differing on their confidence in Russia’s willingness to compromise and on the sequencing of territorial discussions and ceasefire terms.
