Geneva Summit: Tense Peace Talks Amid Russian Hostilities

In Geneva, Moscow and Kyiv are engaging in US-mediated peace talks as the conflict nears its fourth anniversary. High-stakes discussions, mediated by US figures, focus on contentious territorial issues. Both sides are under immense pressure while Ukrainian civilians suffer ongoing Russian assaults.

Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv met in Geneva on Tuesday for critical US-brokered peace talks, just a week before the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The discussions will span over two days, addressing tough issues concerning the future of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.

US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, join the talks aimed at resolving territorial disputes, with Russia insisting Ukraine relinquish control of the eastern Donbas region. Military leaders from the three nations will deliberate on effective ceasefire monitoring and its implementation.

Amidst ongoing Russian aerial attacks and enduring hardship for Ukrainian civilians, the summit coincides with indirect US-Iran talks. Expectations for an immediate breakthrough remain low as the geopolitical dynamics stay tense. The US has set a June deadline for a potential settlement to the protracted conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)