The second day of peace talks concludes abruptly and Zelensky accuses Russia of deliberately trying to delay an agreement to end the war in Ukraine
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva ended abruptly after just two hours, with Zelensky accusing Russia of trying to delay progress on a potential agreement to end the war.
The second day of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva came to an unexpected halt after only two hours of discussions. Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky addressed the media in the hotel lobby, indicating that further negotiations would take place soon although no specific date was provided. This abrupt ending raised concerns about the potential for a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the meetings as 'difficult' and accused Russia of deliberately attempting to prolong negotiations rather than progressing towards a constructive agreement. He noted that Russia's insistence on Ukraine withdrawing from occupied territories in Donetsk was an impediment to reaching a conclusive deal. Zelensky expressed frustration on social media, suggesting that negotiations could have achieved a final stage if not for Russia's tactics.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension and complexity of the negotiations aimed at concluding the war. As both sides position themselves for what could be an extensive diplomatic process, the world watches closely to see the implications of these talks and whether any real progress can emerge. The failures of the latest discussions may indicate a protracted conflict ahead, as scrutiny of Russia's strategy and Ukraine's responses continue to be pivotal in determining the future regional stability.