Dronkiev. The large-scale attacks by Russia on the very first day of renewed peace talks in Geneva have raised serious questions over diplomatic efforts. As the talks began, Russia fired 29 missiles and about 400 drones targeting 12 regions of Ukraine. The attacks caused massive damage to power plants, civilian infrastructure and residential areas, while many people, including children, were injured. Ukraine has described it as a planned and coordinated attack on energy and civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the attacks, saying they exposed Moscow’s “real intentions”. He said 25 of the 29 missiles were shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems, preventing potentially major damage. Despite this, electricity, water and heating services were disrupted in many areas. In particular, thousands of people in Odessa were deprived of essential services and about 10 residential buildings and railway infrastructure were damaged.
Zelensky said in a video message that such large-scale attacks on the same day as trilateral and bilateral dialogue formats were launched in Geneva are a clear signal of what Russia really wants. He said Ukraine does not want war, but is committed to defending its sovereignty and independence. He also made it clear that the Ukrainian delegation will raise the issue of these attacks prominently in its discussions with America.
The talks on the first day of talks lasted for about six hours. Russian media quoted an unnamed source as describing it as ‘tense’. Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks focused on practical issues and the methodology of possible solutions. He indicated ahead of the talks that the Ukrainian delegation had arrived in Geneva ‘without excessive expectations’. He said it would not be realistic to expect any quick or dramatic progress.
The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser to President Vladimir Putin. After the first day of talks it became clear that differences between the two sides still ran deep. Although the last session of the talks is to be held on Wednesday, the developments on the first day have made the atmosphere more complex. This peace process is part of a broader US-led diplomatic effort aimed at finding a solution to the ongoing conflict through February 2022.
US President Donald Trump is pressurizing both sides for an agreement to end the war. However, Kiev says it is being pressured into making unequal concessions, which would not be in the interests of long-term security and a just peace.
Zelensky reiterated that maintaining international pressure on Russia is necessary for a lasting and just peace. He stressed the need to strictly enforce sanctions, strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and increase military assistance. According to him, diplomatic talks alone will not suffice unless aggressive actions on the ground are stopped.
The Geneva talks are taking place at a time when distrust between the two countries is at its peak. On one hand, talks are going on at the peace table, while on the other hand missile and drone attacks are continuing. This contradiction shows that resolution of the conflict will not be easy. It will become clear in the coming days whether these talks move towards real progress or whether they will continue to move forward under the shadow of violence and distrust.
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