Russia and Ukraine resume talks in Geneva amid US claims of progress

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff Announces Progress in Trilateral Talks

The third round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States is underway in Geneva, Switzerland. US special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that both sides have agreed to update their respective leaders and will continue working towards a deal.

Witkoff made this announcement on X late Tuesday, citing President Trump’s success in bringing the parties together as a positive factor. He also praised the constructive engagement of American counterparts with Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov.

Umerov expressed gratitude for the US engagement, stating that they continued working in groups by areas, focusing on practical issues and mechanisms for possible solutions. He plans to discuss the results of the first day with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and has also spoken with European partners.

However, Zelenskyy questioned Russia’s commitment to a peace deal during his nightly address, citing heavy air attacks carried out by Russia overnight on Tuesday. Russian officials responded to these claims, stating that Kyiv and Western Europe are downplaying the negotiations and that Russia is committed to finding a resolution.

Despite the ongoing talks, fighting between Russia and Ukraine has continued. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched 29 missiles and 396 drones overnight, killing at least four people and cutting off power to tens of thousands in southern Ukraine. Russian officials claimed to have repelled over 150 Ukrainian drones on Tuesday.

The crux of the talks is finding a negotiated end to the war that maintains Ukraine’s sovereignty. The US has been working with Kyiv to balance Ukraine’s desire for sovereignty with long-term security guarantees.

Source: Al Jazeera