Russia and Ukraine Begin Third Round of Peace Talks in Geneva

US-Brokered Peace Talks Resume Between Ukraine and Russia

A third round of United States-brokered peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia began in Switzerland, with talks scheduled for two days starting from Tuesday. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Rustem Umerov, who stated that the discussions would focus on “security and humanitarian issues.”

Umerov posted on social media that the Ukrainian side is working “constructively” and “focused” without having “excessive expectations.” The negotiations come ahead of Ukraine’s four-year war with Russia.

On Monday, Russian air strikes were reported across various regions in Ukraine, causing significant damage to the power network in Odesa. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attacks left tens of thousands of people without heat and water.

Zelenskyy called on Kyiv’s allies to increase pressure on Russia to reach a “real and just” peace deal through tougher sanctions and military supplies. US President Donald Trump has been involved in efforts to facilitate a deal between Moscow and Kyiv, although Zelenskyy expressed concerns that his country is facing increased pressure to make concessions.

Russia is demanding Ukraine cede the remaining 20 percent of the eastern region of Donetsk, which it has failed to capture. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the talks would cover a broader range of issues, including territories and demands made by Russia.

Source: Al Jazeera