Representatives from Russia and Ukraine continued American-mediated peace discussions in Geneva on Wednesday, marking their second straight day of negotiations. The talks aim to address political and military disputes arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, though the two nations remain far apart on settlement terms.
GENEVA — Representatives from Russia and Ukraine continued American-mediated discussions in Geneva on Wednesday, extending their diplomatic efforts into a second straight day as they attempt to resolve political and military disputes that have persisted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago.
Ukrainian delegation leader Rustem Umerov posted on X that “consultations are taking place in working groups by areas within the political and military tracks,” adding that delegates are “working on clarifying the parameters and mechanisms of the decisions discussed yesterday.”
These Switzerland-based discussions mark the third series of direct negotiations facilitated by the United States, following earlier sessions this year in Abu Dhabi that officials characterized as productive despite failing to achieve any major breakthrough.
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, stated on social media that America’s year-long diplomatic efforts toward Ukrainian peace have “brought about meaningful progress,” though he provided no additional details and combat operations have persisted.
Military forces from both nations remain engaged along an approximately 750-mile battle zone, as Russia continues its bombardment of Ukrainian civilian targets. Ukrainian air force officials reported that Russia fired one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones at Ukraine during overnight attacks.
In the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone attack resulted in one woman’s death and wounded seven others, including two young children, according to regional military leader Ivan Fedorov.
The two countries continue to maintain significantly different positions regarding potential peace terms.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed implementing a ceasefire and arranging direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Moscow insists on securing a comprehensive settlement before agreeing to halt hostilities.
Putin maintains the same primary objectives he established when Russia launched its invasion on February 24, 2022: Ukraine must abandon its NATO membership aspirations, dramatically reduce its military forces, and safeguard Russian language and cultural interests to maintain the country within Moscow’s sphere of influence.
Putin also demands that Ukraine remove its military presence from four territories that Russia has seized but does not completely control.
Zelenskyy maintains that Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia.
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