WASHINGTON, D.C. – Peace talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia wrapped in Geneva after two days. It’s been almost five years since Russia launched their latest war against Ukraine.
“There’s progress but none of the details can be disclosed at this stage,” said Rustem Umerov, Secretary for the National Defense and Security Council of Ukraine.
Details of the progress remain limited but Rustem, the lead negotiator, said they’re still working to achieve their goal.
“The ultimate objective is unchanged for a just and sustainable peace,” said Rustem.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was not present at the talks, shared on social media the “meetings were indeed difficult, and we can state that Russia is trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage.” He thanked the American delegation and also gave a push towards his Ukrainian delegation to do whatever is possible to reach peaceful solutions.
In a separate video message, Zelenskyy is also trying to secure additional air defenses, especially following recent Russian strikes on Ukraine.
“The team [the Ukraine delegation of negotiators] absolutely must raise the issue of these strikes- first of all with the American side, which proposed that both us and Russia refrain from attacks,” said Zelenskyy in the video message. “Ukraine is ready. We do not need war.”
