Zelensky criticizes Geneva talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday criticized the results of the two-day negotiations with Russian representatives in Geneva fell short of expectations.

“Ukraine is interested in a result. At this point, we cannot say that the outcome is sufficient,” Zelensky said in his evening video address from Kiev. Earlier, he had accused the Russians of employing delaying tactics in the US-mediated negotiations.

“The military officials discussed some issues seriously and substantively. Sensitive political questions, issues regarding possible compromises, and the necessary meeting of the heads of state have not yet been sufficiently discussed,” he said.

The Ukrainian president had demanded that talks in Geneva address a meeting between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin has offered such direct talks — but only in Moscow, which Zelensky rejects.

In addition, Zelensky said he had tasked the Geneva negotiations with addressing humanitarian issues such as exchanges of prisoners and civilians. Previous direct talks in Istanbul last year and in Abu Dhabi this year led to agreements and completed prisoner-of-war exchanges, but no such announcement was made this time.