Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of intentionally trying to “drag out negotiations” and stalling progress as a new round of U.S.-mediated peace talks concluded Wednesday with no breakthrough toward ending the nearly four-year war.
Peace efforts aimed at halting the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 have stalled repeatedly.
“Yesterday’s meetings were indeed difficult, and we can state that Russia is trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage,” Zelensky said in a post on X. “Ukraine needs guaranteed security and a reliable, lasting peace. That is exactly what we are working for.”
The Geneva talks, led by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and attended by representatives from European countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, aimed to bridge deep disagreements on political and military issues.
Following the meeting, Witkoff praised President Donald Trump’s success in bringing parties together and alluded to progress.
“President Trump’s success in bringing both sides of this war together has brought about meaningful progress, and we are proud to work under his leadership to stop the killing in this terrible conflict,” Witkoff said in an X post. “Both parties agreed to update their respective leaders and continue working towards a deal.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s adviser, Vladimir Medinsky, said the two days of talks were “difficult but businesslike” and that another round of talks should be taking place soon, according to the Associated Press.
Zelensky touted the possibility of a ceasefire if Russia were to hold elections at a high-profile security conference in Munich last week. Russia’s authoritarian system essentially guarantees a Putin victory.
The United States has put pressure on Ukraine to hold elections, as the country has been under martial law since the war broke out, and Zelensky said in Munich that he will hold elections when a ceasefire is reached.
AS ALL SIDES DIG IN, TWO PEACE PLANS ON DUAL TRACK TO INTRACTABLE IMPASSE
The war continues to take a heavy toll.
Both sides have reported ongoing combat and attacks, with Russia continuing strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities along the front line.
