Zelensky on Geneva talks: Russia is trying to drag them out

The head of state said this in a post on Telegram following meetings with the Ukrainian negotiating team, Ukrinform reports.

"Yesterday's meetings were indeed difficult, and we can state that Russia is trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage. I thank the American side for its attention to detail and patience in conversations with the current representatives of Russia," Zelensky said.

He said he had set a clear task for the Ukrainian delegation – to do everything possible to ensure the talks are productive and increase the chances for peaceful solutions.

"Among other things, the humanitarian track is to be discussed today, namely steps for the exchange of prisoners of war and the release of civilians. I am grateful to our representatives for their teamwork and the implementation of the directives given to the delegation. Ukraine needs guaranteed security and a reliable, lasting peace. That is exactly what we are working for," Zelensky said.

He also confirmed that representatives of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland are in Geneva, and that the Ukrainian team is holding meetings with them.

"Yesterday there were meetings in different formats – both bilateral between Ukraine and the United States and multilateral formats. In particular, there were talks between Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives in two tracks – military and military-political issues. The Ukrainian delegation, together with the American team, also met with European representatives – from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. We consider Europe’s participation in the process indispensable for the successful implementation of entirely feasible agreements – Ukraine has no doubt that partners are capable of ensuring the constructiveness of the negotiation process and, therefore, a dignified result," Zelensky said.

Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky / Telegram