Ukraine And Russia Restart Peace Talks In Geneva With U.S. Mediation

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume on Tuesday in Geneva, with the United States serving as mediator in an effort to bring an end to nearly four years of conflict. According to diplomatic sources, this round follows two earlier trilateral negotiations held in Abu Dhabi in January and early February, as international actors continue to search for a viable path to resolution.

The conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leading to widespread devastation and ongoing territorial disputes. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to participate in the Geneva discussions, which coincide with separate U.S.-Iran negotiations scheduled for the same day.

The Kremlin has indicated that Moscow plans to focus on contested territorial issues during the two-day meeting. Vladimir Medinsky, returning to the negotiating table for the first time this year after missing the Abu Dhabi sessions, will represent Russia. In addition to the peace talks, bilateral discussions on Russian-American economic relations are also anticipated.

Russia continues to claim several Ukrainian regions, including parts of the Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control. Kyiv has consistently rejected Russia’s territorial demands as unacceptable, instead advocating for measures such as a partial ceasefire and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been heavily damaged in recent weeks. Strikes on power and heating facilities have left millions without basic services amid a harsh winter.

While Moscow has signaled a willingness to end the conflict, it insists on conditions aligned with its strategic objectives, which Ukraine has so far refused to accept. Analysts suggest that a breakthrough in Geneva is unlikely, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.