Trump Pressures Kyiv Amid Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva

Trump Pressures Kyiv Amid Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are set to meet for another round of peace talks in Geneva, as United States President Donald Trump pushes for an end to Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II. The two-day talks, which begin on Tuesday, are likely to focus on the issue of territory and come just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has complained that his country is facing the greatest pressure from Washington to make concessions. Russia is demanding that Kyiv cede the remaining 20 percent of the eastern region of Donetsk, which Kyiv refuses to do. Trump again increased the pressure on Ukraine late on Monday, stating, "Ukraine better come to the table, fast," during a comment about the talks on Air Force One.

The Kremlin said the talks will be held behind closed doors and with no media present. Previous rounds in Abu Dhabi did not yield a breakthrough, but this time the discussions aim to cover a broader range of issues, including territories and other demands. Ukraine has rejected Russia’s territorial demands, insisting on security guarantees from the West.

Russia wants Ukrainian troops to withdraw from strategic areas as part of any peace deal. Kyiv has refused this demand, which would be politically and militarily challenging. The Russian delegation will include about 20 people, including Vladimir Medinsky and Igor Kostyukov. Ukraine’s delegation is led by Rustem Umerov and Kyrylo Budanov.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are attending the talks, representing the Trump administration. The discussions also involve issues like control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the possible role of Western troops in post-war Ukraine. Despite expectations of no breakthrough, both sides have demonstrated serious intentions about achieving peace.