Ukraine–Russia Talks in Geneva End Without Breakthrough

Talks aimed at ending the four-year war between Ukraine and Russia wrapped up in Switzerland with no immediate agreement, underscoring the deep divide between the two sides on territorial control and future security arrangements.

“Positions Differ”

Volodymyr Zelensky described the negotiations as “difficult,” saying that although some progress had been made, substantial gaps remain.

“We can see that progress has been made, but for now, positions differ because the negotiations were difficult,” Zelensky told reporters shortly after the talks ended.

Earlier in the day, he accused Moscow of attempting to drag out negotiations that he believes could already have reached a final stage. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly alleged that Russia is negotiating in bad faith while continuing its military offensive and air campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

“Difficult but Business-Like”

Russia’s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, characterized the discussions differently. Speaking in Geneva, he said the talks lasted two days — including lengthy sessions in multiple formats — and were “difficult but business-like.”

Medinsky confirmed that another round of negotiations would take place soon but did not provide a date.

Moscow is seeking Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of the eastern Donbas region still under Kyiv’s control — a demand Ukraine has firmly rejected.

U.S. Mediation and Trump’s Pressure

The Geneva meeting followed two earlier U.S.-brokered rounds in Abu Dhabi that also failed to produce a breakthrough. The current talks were again facilitated by Washington as it seeks to broker a settlement.

Donald Trump recently suggested that Ukraine must move quickly to ensure the success of negotiations. In public remarks, Trump urged Kyiv to “come to the table fast,” prompting criticism from Zelensky, who argued it was unfair to pressure Ukraine rather than Russia to make concessions.

In an interview published this week, Zelensky said any proposal requiring Ukraine to cede territory not currently occupied by Russian forces would likely be rejected by the Ukrainian public if put to a referendum.

Push for European Involvement

Kyiv has also called for stronger participation from its European allies, arguing their involvement is “indispensable.” Countries including France, Germany and United Kingdom have consistently backed Ukraine’s position.

The Geneva talks came days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions and devastated large areas of Ukraine. Russia currently controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and significant portions of the eastern Donbas region.

Recent Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without heating and electricity during the winter months. Moscow denies deliberately targeting civilians.