EU sees no «tangible signs» Russia is «seriously» engaging on peace after five days of talks

The European Union said Thursday that it still sees no concrete indication that Moscow is genuinely committed to ending the war in Ukraine, despite five days of diplomatic efforts in Geneva. Speaking in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni told reporters: «Nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Europe at the negotiating table.» He added a stark assessment of Moscow's posture, stating: «We still do not see tangible signs that Russia is engaging seriously on peace.» His remarks underscored mounting frustration within the bloc, particularly after EU institutions were not formally included in the latest round of US-brokered discussions.

The five-day diplomatic push in Geneva marked the third round of trilateral peace talks between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the United States. The meetings followed earlier rounds held in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24 and Feb. 4-5, the latter resulting in the first prisoner swap between Moscow and Kyiv since last October. This week's discussions were facilitated by US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Russian delegation was led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, while Ukraine's team was headed by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. Talks reportedly concluded after nearly two hours on Wednesday without a breakthrough announcement.

European officials emphasized that while they support US-led efforts to secure what they call a just and lasting peace, Europe must not be sidelined. El Anouni stressed that the EU remains in constant coordination with Kyiv and Washington and reiterated key principles underpinning the bloc's stance. «International borders must not be changed by force,» he said, highlighting that Ukraine had agreed to an unconditional ceasefire nearly a year ago. He contrasted that with what he described as Russia's ongoing «relentless attacks» targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, citing Ukrainian authorities. The EU maintains that any eventual settlement must guarantee Europe's security and continental stability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly insisted that peace cannot come at the cost of sovereignty or territorial integrity. In recent statements, he reiterated that Ukraine is prepared for a «just peace» but will not accept terms that reward aggression. Zelensky has also urged partners to maintain military and financial support, arguing that pressure on Moscow is essential to force meaningful concessions. Ukrainian officials described the Geneva talks as constructive but cautious, noting that while humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges may see progress, core political and territorial disputes remain unresolved.

The White House has framed the Geneva discussions as part of a broader effort to test Moscow's willingness to negotiate. US officials said the objective was to explore potential confidence-building measures and gauge Russia's readiness for compromise ahead of the war's fourth anniversary. Russian representatives, meanwhile, maintained that their country remains open to dialogue but insisted that any agreement must reflect what Moscow calls the «new realities on the ground,» a reference to territories currently under Russian control. The Kremlin has repeatedly argued that security guarantees for Russia must be central to any final arrangement, a position Kyiv firmly rejects.

Despite diplomatic engagement and incremental steps such as prisoner swaps, the tone from Brussels reflects a sense of impasse. By repeating that the bloc sees no «tangible signs» of serious Russian engagement, EU officials signaled skepticism that the current format alone can deliver a comprehensive settlement. The insistence that «Nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Europe at the negotiating table» underscores concern that any deal struck without broader European involvement may lack legitimacy or durability. As the conflict approaches another anniversary, the Geneva talks have highlighted both ongoing dialogue and the deep divisions that continue to block a decisive breakthrough.

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