Zelenskyy says Putin playing for time as U.S.-brokered talks wrap up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "playing for time" as U.S.-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia concluded on Sunday with no concrete agreements, highlighting the continued stalemate in the ongoing conflict. The talks, held in Geneva and mediated by the United States, aimed to address key issues such as ceasefire terms and prisoner exchanges, but both sides failed to reach a definitive deal. Zelenskyy, during a press briefing in Kyiv, emphasized that Russia’s lack of tangible concessions signaled a strategy of delay rather than genuine negotiation. He criticized Moscow’s willingness to postpone significant steps, implying that Putin wanted to use the talks for strategic gain rather than for immediate peace. The U.S. administration, led by Ambassador Julie B. Chung, pledged to keep engaging with both sides, underscoring the role of the United Nations and European partners in attempting to find a solution. While the extended deadlines were meant to create a framework for restoring stability, critics argue that Russia’s refusal to agree on a halt to hostilities risks prolonging the war. With the conflict continuing to inflict heavy casualties and displacement, Zelenskyy called on the international community to pressure Russia into substantive negotiations, warning that failure to do so may lead to further escalations.