Ukrainian and Russian delegations are set to resume their second round of peace talks in Geneva on Wednesday, mediated by the United States. Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, neither side has indicated progress toward ending what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. The war, now nearing its fourth year, has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and devastated large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine.

Previous rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi failed to yield results, and sources close to the Russian delegation described the latest Geneva session as tense, lasting six hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to move toward an “honorable agreement” but questioned Russia’s sincerity, accusing Moscow of prioritizing missile strikes over real diplomacy. Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and demands full control of Donetsk.

Kyiv has rejected Moscow’s territorial demands and insists on security guarantees before signing any deal. Analysts note that while Russia faces growing economic strain, Ukrainian forces recently regained 201 square kilometers in their fastest advance in over two years.