Delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States have opened a second round of negotiations in Geneva, as deep divisions over territorial concessions and post-war security continue to stall progress.
2nd round opens under mounting pressure
A second round of peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States has begun in Geneva on Wednesday, as diplomatic efforts intensify to break a political deadlock.
According to The Associated Press, the previous meeting focused on the most contentious issues, including territorial concessions and security guarantees. However, Axios reported that the political dimension of the talks has stalled.
The Economist reported that the Ukrainian delegation appeared divided over the timing of any potential peace agreement.
Kyiv divided over pace of agreement
One faction within the Ukrainian delegation believes that Ukraine’s interests would be better served by a swift agreement brokered by Washington. Among those said to favour this approach is Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office.
Another group, according to reports, is more cautious and reluctant to accelerate the signing of any deal under perceived American pressure.
US President Donald Trump said Russia is ready to conclude an agreement and warned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “will have to act,” or risk missing a significant opportunity.
Barak Ravid, a journalist with Axios, reported that the political track of the negotiations had reached an impasse. According to the outlet, the deadlock followed new statements by Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation.
The report said that Russia’s new conditions, put forward after an alleged assassination attempt on Vladimir Alekseev, deputy head of the GRU, were deemed unacceptable.
Washington cites “significant progress”
Despite the impasse, Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to President Trump, said the sides had achieved “significant progress.” He added that the delegations had agreed to brief their respective leaders and continue working towards a settlement. The central sticking point remains territory.
According to Axios, Ukraine is prepared to discuss withdrawing its armed forces from the Donbas region, but insists on a reciprocal withdrawal by Russian troops.
In an interview, Zelensky said that any agreement requiring a unilateral withdrawal by Ukrainian forces would be rejected in a referendum. “People will never forgive that. Never. They will not forgive me, they will not forgive the United States,” he said.
The Russian side has not publicly commented in detail. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, said that attempts to derail the talks — whether through public remarks or procedural issues — were being used to undermine the settlement process itself.
Negotiations continue behind closed doors
The talks began on Tuesday, at the InterContinental hotel in Geneva and lasted more than four and a half hours. According to Reuters, citing sources, military representatives from the sides continued consultations separately after the formal session ended.
On Wednesday, the delegations had resumed discussions following overnight consultations with their national leaderships.
Russian media reported that diplomats from Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom had also arrived in Geneva. While not directly participating in the negotiations, they reportedly advised the Ukrainian delegation during breaks and sought updates through diplomatic channels.
Who is at the table
The first round focused on what participants described as “big themes and big compromises,” including territorial arrangements, post-war security guarantees and mutual strikes on energy infrastructure.
The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff, presidential adviser Jared Kushner, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and General Christopher G. Cavoli, Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
A key change on the Russian side was the appointment of Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide who previously led talks with Ukraine in Istanbul in May and June last year, as head of the delegation.
The Russian team also includes Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.
As the second round unfolds, the central question remains whether the parties can bridge their differences on territory and security — or whether Geneva will mark another missed opportunity for peace.
