EXPLAINERNews|ExplainerRussia-Ukraine talks: All the mediation efforts, and where they standNearly four years into Russia’s war on Ukraine, multiple peace efforts have been started, but no end is in sight.
As the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, peace talks mediated by the United States in Geneva concluded earlier than expected on Wednesday.
As the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, peace talks mediated by the United States in Geneva concluded earlier than expected on Wednesday.
The initial ceasefire discussions between Russia and Ukraine began four days post-invasion, lasting approximately five hours. Despite involving high-level officials, no agreement was reached. Subsequently, three rounds of talks in Belarus concluded on March 7 without success.
March-April 2022 – Regional Talks in Antalya
On March 10, Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministers met at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye. A subsequent meeting in Istanbul also failed to secure a ceasefire. In early April, the withdrawal of Russian forces revealed evidence of civilian massacres, complicating further negotiations.
July 2022 – Black Sea Grain Initiative, Istanbul
Ukraine and Russia, with Turkiye and the United Nations, signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022 in Istanbul. This agreement was a critical diplomatic breakthrough aimed at preventing a global food crisis by establishing a humanitarian corridor for grain exports from Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a 10-point peace proposal at the G20 summit, requesting Russia's withdrawal and measures for safety and security. Russia rejected the plan, refusing to cede occupied territories.
China introduced a 12-point peace plan advocating for a ceasefire and the cessation of Western sanctions on Russia. The proposal faced criticism for not addressing Russia's violation of Ukrainian sovereignty.
A delegation of African leaders presented a 10-point plan focused on de-escalation and grain exports. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy dismissed the plan, emphasizing the necessity for Russian withdrawal.
The initial ceasefire discussions between Russia and Ukraine began four days post-invasion, lasting approximately five hours.
Saudi Arabia convened representatives from 40 countries to discuss Zelenskyy's peace proposal. No agreement was reached, and Russia was not invited, leading to skepticism about the summit's potential success.
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine in Switzerland brought together over 90 nations to discuss conflict resolution strategies. Despite the participation of numerous countries, Russia was absent, and some nations refrained from signing the final communique.
Following his re-election, US President Donald Trump initiated contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin to restart negotiations. Subsequent meetings raised concerns as Ukraine and the EU were excluded.
February 2025 – Zelenskyy at the White House
In a televised meeting, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized President Zelenskyy, leading to a tense diplomatic interaction.
US envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow amid threats of sanctions, but no significant progress was made in ending the conflict.
President Trump and President Putin met in Alaska, but no agreement was reached.
The Geneva talks became contentious as details of a US-proposed 28-point plan were leaked, suggesting controversial concessions for Ukraine.
High-level delegations from the US, Ukraine, and Russia met in Abu Dhabi, agreeing on a prisoner exchange but leaving key issues unresolved.
Current talks in Geneva involve senior military figures from both Ukraine and Russia and the US. Progress is hindered by Russia's territorial claims.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.