Russia and Ukraine are set to convene in Geneva for crucial peace talks, mediated by the United States, focusing on territorial disputes

Russia and Ukraine have recommenced US-brokered Geneva peace talks, as territorial disputes pose challenges to achieving a breakthrough agreement.

Representatives from Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to convene in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday for a new series of US-mediated peace talks. The Kremlin has suggested that territorial issues, which have been the main point of contention in the nearly four-year conflict, will take precedence in the discussions.

The discussions, occurring in the picturesque Swiss city of Geneva, arise amidst increasing pressure from Donald Trump on both parties to finalize an agreement to resolve Europe’s largest conflict since 1945. Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed concerns that Kyiv is facing the majority of that pressure.

While addressing reporters on Air Force One, Trump emphasized the areas he perceives as urgent.

“Indeed, we engage in significant discussions. It will be quite simple. Clearly, Ukraine needs to engage in discussions promptly. “That’s all I’m sharing with you.”

Russia is insisting that Ukraine relinquish the remaining 20 percent of the eastern Donetsk region that Moscow has not yet seized — a demand that Kyiv has resolutely declined.

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for the Kremlin, stated that the Geneva round would expand the range of negotiations.

“This time, the aim is to explore a wider array of topics, including, indeed, the primary ones.” Peskov informed reporters on Monday that the primary concerns revolve around the territories and all other aspects related to the demands we have presented.

The relocation of the venue to Geneva comes after two earlier rounds of discussions in Abu Dhabi, which both parties characterized as constructive, yet did not yield a significant breakthrough.

The fresh diplomatic effort arrives merely days ahead of the fourth anniversary, on February 24, of Russia’s extensive invasion of its smaller neighbor. Countless lives have been lost, millions have been forced from their homes, and extensive areas of Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages have been left in ruins.

Russia presently occupies approximately 20 percent of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, encompassing Crimea and portions of the eastern Donbas region that were taken before the 2022 invasion. Recent Russian air strikes aimed at energy infrastructure have resulted in hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians being left without heating and electricity amid a severe winter.

The Kremlin announced that its delegation will be headed by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian negotiators have previously accused Medinsky of lecturing them on historical narratives to justify the invasion, which has diminished hopes for any significant breakthrough.

Igor Kostyukov, the chief of Russia’s military intelligence, is set to participate, while Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy, will be part of a different working group focused on economic issues.

Zelenskiy, addressing the annual Munich Security Conference on Saturday, conveyed a sense of cautious optimism regarding the Geneva talks from the Ukrainian perspective.

“I hope the Geneva talks will be serious and substantive… but honestly, it sometimes feels as though the sides are discussing entirely different matters.”

The delegation from Kyiv will be headed by Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, accompanied by Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of staff to President Zelenskiy. Additionally, senior presidential aide Serhiy Kyslytsya will be present.

Prior to his departure for Geneva, Umerov reiterated Ukraine’s stance.

“Our aim for a sustainable and enduring peace remains steadfast.”

In addition to territorial disputes, both parties are significantly split regarding the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the possible involvement of Western troops in any security arrangement following the war.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are anticipated to represent the Trump administration at the talks, as per a source acquainted with the preparations, highlighting Washington’s pivotal role in the recent diplomatic initiative to conclude the war.