Russian and Ukrainian delegations are meeting in Geneva for the latest round of US-brokered talks, a week before the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Expectations for a breakthrough remain low, as Moscow has not wavered from its maximalist demands for Ukrainian territory.
Russia’s strikes on Ukraine are continuing on a nightly basis, further damaging the country’s already battered power grid as subzero temperatures continue.
Hours before the delegations met in Switzerland, Moscow carried out a large combined aerial attack on Ukraine, hitting 12 regions with 400 drones and almost 30 missiles. At least three people were killed.
The latest attacks showed the “extent to which Russia disregards peace efforts”, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
Russia said its air defences had repelled more than 150 drones, while an oil refinery caught on fire after a Ukrainian drone strike.
Tuesday’s talks are mediated by Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law.
Ukraine is represented by National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov.
The Russian delegation includes President Vladimir Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky and members of the military intelligence figures.
“I don’t think we should expect any news today,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, adding the talks would continue on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump on Tuesday said Ukraine had “better come to the table fast.”
Trump has previously signalled his impatience with the lack of swift progress in solving the four-year conflict.
Credit: bbc.com
