High-Stakes Diplomacy: Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Kick Off in Geneva

In Geneva, U.S.-mediated peace talks between Ukraine and Russia concluded their first of two days with limited advancement. The negotiations occurred against a backdrop of continued Russian airstrikes in Ukraine, contributing to severe damage in Odesa and leaving civilians without heating and water.

President Zelenskiy expressed Ukraine's readiness for a constructive agreement, underscoring the urgency amid the four-year-old conflict. However, the talks appear to be stalled over key issues such as territorial control in eastern Ukraine, with little optimism from negotiators for a breakthrough.

U.S. President Donald Trump maintains pressure on Kyiv to expedite the negotiation process, emphasizing the necessity of reaching a prompt accord. Despite U.S. facilitation and European interest, achieving consensus remains challenging, as substantial differences persist between the involved parties.