Significant Progress: U.S. Optimism Over Ukraine Peace Talks

“Significant progress” has been achieved in the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations led by the United States in Geneva, according to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a post published Wednesday on his account on the social media platform X, Witkoff stated that “the talks between Ukraine and Russia, led by Washington in Geneva to end the war in Ukraine, have made significant progress,” noting that both sides were set to begin a second day of negotiations.

He added that “President Trump’s success in bringing together the parties to this conflict has resulted in meaningful progress, and we are proud to work under his leadership to stop the killing in this terrible conflict.” He also indicated that both sides agreed to brief their respective leaderships on the latest developments and to continue working toward reaching an agreement.

On Tuesday, a source close to the Russian delegation told Agence France-Presse, speaking on condition of anonymity: “The first day of negotiations has ended,” describing the meetings as “very tense.”

The source confirmed that the discussions would resume on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, the source said, “The talks were very tense. They lasted six hours. They have now concluded. It was agreed to continue them on Wednesday.”

The negotiations aim to reach a settlement that would end four years of war in Ukraine.

They are based on a U.S. plan announced several months ago. The issue of Kyiv making territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees remains central to the discussions.

The talks have particularly stalled over the fate of the industrial Donbas basin in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk region, a request that Kyiv rejects.

U.S. President Donald Trump is exerting pressure to reach a political solution to the conflict, which erupted in February 2022.