Ukraine, Russia begin talks as Trump piles pressure on Kyiv

Trump is urging Moscow and Kyiv to reach a deal to end Europe’s biggest war since 1945, though Zelensky has complained that his country is facing the greatest pressure to make concessions

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Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia begin the latest round of talks in Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday. Ukraine has proposed adopting neutral status in exchange for security guarantees, part of deal with Russia.

(AFP)

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia began two days of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday that will focus on the main sticking point of land, with US President Donald Trump pressing Kyiv to act fast to reach a deal.

Trump is urging Moscow and Kyiv to reach a deal to end Europe's biggest war since 1945, though Zelensky has complained that his country is facing the greatest pressure to make concessions.

Lead Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said “security and humanitarian issues” would be on the agenda.

“We are working constructively, focused and without excessive expectations,” he posted on X. “Our task is to maximally advance those solutions that can bring sustainable peace closer.”

Ahead of the talks, Russia carried out heavy airstrikes overnight across swathes of Ukraine, inflicting severe damage to the power network in the southern port city of Odesa, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said left tens of thousands without heat and water.