US-Mediated Talks Continue in Geneva as Russia-Ukraine Conflict Persists

Kathmandu. Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv continued their talks in Geneva on Wednesday, mediated by the United States, for the second consecutive day, attempting to resolve political and military differences arising from the war that began four years ago.

According to officials, both sides are consulting through working groups on matters of political and military guidance, and efforts are underway to ensure clarity on the criteria and implementation of decisions discussed yesterday.

The ongoing talks in Switzerland are the third round of direct negotiations hosted by the US. A previous meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, while constructive, was unsuccessful. US representative Steve Witkoff stated on social media that Washington's pressure for peace in Ukraine last year brought about 'meaningful progress,' but also confirmed that fighting continues.

Currently, both armies are engaged in combat along a frontline stretching approximately 1,250 kilometers. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces launched ballistic missiles and 126 long-range drones into civilian areas overnight. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, one woman was killed and seven people, including two small children, were injured in a Russian drone attack.

Despite efforts for a peace agreement, a significant gap remains between the two sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire and a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Moscow desires a comprehensive agreement before a ceasefire.

During the invasion that began on February 24, 2022, Putin stated his main objectives were that Ukraine would not join NATO, would reduce the size of its military, and would preserve Russian language and culture while remaining within Moscow's sphere of influence. Zelenskyy has already made it clear that Ukraine will not relinquish Russian-occupied territories.