Geneva – U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded Wednesday with little sign of progress, as Kyiv accused Moscow of employing delaying tactics. The discussions, held in Geneva, Switzerland, represent the third attempt this year to find a diplomatic path forward, following earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi, but have yet to yield a breakthrough.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on X that Russia is “trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage,” describing the first day of meetings as “difficult.” While both sides agreed to future meetings, a specific date was not announced, casting doubt on the possibility of a ceasefire before the four-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion next Tuesday.
The stalled negotiations underscore the deep divisions that remain between the two countries. Russia is reportedly seeking control of the entirety of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, including territory currently not under its occupation. As of early 2024, Russian forces control approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014. However, recent advances have been limited, with Moscow gaining roughly 1.5 percent additional territory since the beginning of the year.
Ukraine, conversely, is seeking a peace agreement that would freeze the conflict along current battle lines. Zelenskyy has emphasized that any territorial concessions would be unacceptable to the Ukrainian people, stating that a referendum including “massive land concessions” would be met with widespread opposition. He also reiterated Kyiv’s demand for joint U.S.-Ukrainian operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, a demand Moscow has rejected.
The lack of progress comes amid shifting signals from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to come to the negotiating table, while also criticizing Russia. He told reporters on Monday that “Ukraine better come to the table fast,” even as Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian infrastructure. Zelenskyy responded by calling Trump’s position “not fair,” expressing hope that it is merely a negotiating tactic.
The situation is further complicated by domestic political pressures in both countries. In Peru, Congress voted to impeach President José Jerí on Tuesday, marking the sixth time in the past decade that a Peruvian leader has left office before completing their term. Lawmakers are scheduled to select a new leader on Wednesday, who will serve until general elections are held in April. The political instability in Peru highlights the challenges of maintaining consistent diplomatic support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a supermajority in recent snap parliamentary elections, granting her a broad mandate to pursue ambitious economic and defense reforms. Takaichi reaffirmed plans to accelerate discussions to suspend a sales tax on food, while also seeking to strengthen ties with the United States. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced a planned $36 billion investment in three U.S. Projects, signaling continued economic cooperation between the two nations.
The failure to achieve a breakthrough in Geneva underscores the significant obstacles to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. While diplomatic efforts continue, the prospects for a near-term ceasefire remain dim. The situation is further complicated by the evolving geopolitical landscape and the domestic political challenges facing both Ukraine and its international partners.
In a separate incident, the France Unbowed party evacuated its Paris headquarters on Wednesday following a bomb threat, amid heightened political tensions following the death of a far-right activist in Lyon. The incident highlights the broader security concerns and political polarization that are impacting Europe.
