Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv gathered in Geneva on Tuesday for another round of U.S.-brokered peace talks, coinciding with the upcoming fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that his government’s delegation was present in Switzerland, while the Russian state news agency Tass reported that the Russian delegation had also arrived. The discussions, scheduled to take place over two days, were expected to commence later in the day.
Contentious discussions regarding the future of Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine are anticipated. U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, are set to engage with the delegations. A source familiar with the talks stated that Russian officials continue to demand Ukraine surrender control of its eastern Donbas region.
Military leaders from the three countries will engage in discussions concerning potential ceasefire monitoring and the necessary steps needed for implementation. Previous meetings in Abu Dhabi dealt with the establishment of demilitarized zones and improving communication between the respective militaries involved.
However, prospects for a breakthrough in the latest negotiations appear dim, as neither party seems willing to compromise on critical territorial issues. This remains despite the United States having set a June deadline for a resolution.
The situation remains precarious for Ukraine, whose military faces a war of attrition against Russia’s larger forces along a front line of approximately 1,250 kilometers (750 miles). Civilians in Ukraine are subject to relentless aerial assaults from Russia, which frequently result in power outages and destruction of homes.
The fate of the nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory currently occupied or sought after by Russia is a focal point of the negotiations. Additionally, Kyiv is pressing for postwar security guarantees backed by the U.S. to deter any future aggression from Moscow.
Trump described the Geneva meeting as “big talks,” emphasizing the need for Ukraine to engage quickly in the negotiations. His comments raised questions regarding their implications, particularly considering Ukraine's ongoing participation in negotiations aimed at halting the ongoing hostilities.
High-level military representation from the United States includes Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Europe, and Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the U.S. Army. They will meet with their Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to facilitate discussions on military cooperation and ceasefire monitoring.
Recent reports indicate that overnight, Russia launched a significant strike utilizing almost 400 long-range drones and 29 missiles across 12 regions of Ukraine, injuring at least nine people, including children. In the southern port city of Odesa, tens of thousands of residents were reported to be without heating or running water due to extensive damage.
Zelenskyy urged accountability for Russia’s ongoing attacks, highlighting that such actions undermine the U.S. push for peace. He stated the necessity for partners, particularly the United States, to recognize the challenges posed by Russia's aggression in reaching any agreements.
Ukrainian officials have expressed a willingness to consider realistic proposals from the U.S., including an unconditional and long-term ceasefire. Meanwhile, discussions regarding the potential for a demilitarized zone and effective military communication continue to be integral parts of the negotiation process.
The talks in Geneva occur alongside U.S. officials engaging in indirect discussions with Iran in the Swiss city, underscoring the broad diplomatic activities occurring in the region.
