High-level negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Geneva this week concluded without a breakthrough, with core disputes continuing to block a ceasefire nearly four years after Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
The talks highlighted persistent disagreements over territorial control, security guarantees, and the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Donbas Control Remains the Core Sticking Point
The central obstacle in the talks is Russia’s demand for full control of the eastern Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukraine has firmly rejected any proposal that would cede sovereign territory, citing national security concerns and the risk of future aggression.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the negotiations as “not easy” and warned that any agreement perceived as surrendering land would be unacceptable to the Ukrainian public.
He also suggested that a referendum on such a concession would fail. For Kyiv, maintaining control of heavily fortified areas in the east is critical to long-term survival.
Limited Progress on Military Issues
While the political deadlock persists, discussions on military matters saw some advancement. Negotiators explored front-line positions, potential verification procedures, and mechanisms for monitoring a ceasefire.
Russia’s chief negotiator described the talks as “businesslike” and indicated that further meetings could follow, though no concrete framework for a truce was agreed upon.
Security Guarantees and Western Involvement
Kyiv has emphasized the need for robust security guarantees from Western allies to prevent renewed Russian aggression.
European nations, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, were present in Geneva and held parallel consultations with Ukrainian officials. Zelensky stressed that European involvement is essential for any lasting settlement.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Dispute
The future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, remains unresolved. Under Russian control since 2022, the plant’s status is a major point of contention.
Ukraine has suggested returning control or sharing oversight with international partners — a proposal Moscow is unlikely to accept.
US Frustration and Diplomatic Pressure
The United States, leading mediation efforts, has expressed impatience with the slow progress. US President Donald Trump urged quicker movement toward a resolution, though Zelensky rejected expectations that Ukraine should compromise more quickly, insisting that peace must be durable and just.
War Enters Fourth Year
As the conflict nears its fourth anniversary, tens of thousands of lives have been lost, millions displaced, and daily attacks continue across Ukraine.
The Geneva talks kept diplomatic channels open but reinforced that a comprehensive settlement remains distant, with key disputes over Donbas territory, security guarantees, and nuclear infrastructure at the center of the impasse.
Read more: https://thereporter24.com/news/geneva-talks-stall-over-donbas-control-as-russia-ukraine-divide-remains-deep
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