Zelensky criticizes Geneva talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday criticized the results of two-day negotiations with Russian representatives in Geneva which did not meet expectations.

“Ukraine is interested in a result. At this stage we cannot say that the result is enough,” Zelensky said in his evening video speech from kyiv. Previously, he had accused the Russians of using delaying tactics in the negotiations conducted under the auspices of the United States.

“Military officials have discussed some issues in a serious and substantive manner. Sensitive political issues, questions regarding possible compromises and the necessary meeting of heads of state have not yet been sufficiently discussed,” he said.

The Ukrainian president had demanded that discussions in Geneva focus on a meeting between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin has proposed such direct talks – but only in Moscow, which Zelensky rejects.

Additionally, Zelensky said he had tasked the Geneva negotiations with addressing humanitarian issues such as prisoner and civilian exchanges. Previous direct negotiations in Istanbul last year and Abu Dhabi this year resulted in agreements and exchanges of prisoners of war, but no such announcements were made this time.