US President Trump escalates pressure on Kyiv amid ongoing Geneva peace talks

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine to Meet in Geneva for Peace Talks

A two-day meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations is set to take place in Geneva on Tuesday, as part of efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The talks are expected to focus on the issue of territory, specifically the eastern region of Donetsk that Russia has failed to capture.

The negotiations come just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about the pressure he is facing from Washington to make concessions, while Russian officials have reiterated their demands that Kyiv cede control over the remaining 20 percent of Donetsk.

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for an end to the conflict, describing the negotiations as “big” and stating that Ukraine must come to the table quickly. The talks will be held behind closed doors and without media presence, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defense council, while Russia’s delegation will be headed by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin. Igor Kostyukov, the military intelligence chief, will also participate in the talks, as will Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy on economic issues.

The Russian team is expected to consist of around 20 people, a larger delegation than those in previous rounds of talks. Ukraine has rejected Russia’s demand for control over Donetsk, instead demanding robust security guarantees from the West. The Kremlin has stated that the negotiations will cover a broader range of issues, including territorial disputes and other demands made by Russia.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in significant human suffering, with tens of thousands killed, millions displaced, and many cities and towns devastated. The talks are seen as an opportunity for both sides to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera