Ukraine and Russia end second day of US-brokered talks

The Russian delegation told reporters it would issue a statement later, according to the Anadolu news agency. Russian state news agency TASS said Tuesday’s talks lasted four and a half hours, including a break. It is unclear why Wednesday’s session was shorter.

Ukraine’s delegation was led by Rustem Umerov, head of its foreign intelligence service, and Russia’s by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner mediated the talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday’s discussions focused largely on humanitarian issues, including possible prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian civilians and children. He said security guarantees were also discussed.

Citing unnamed sources, news agencies ANP and AFP reported that Ukraine had again pressed for hostilities to end before further talks on European security. Russia considers that unacceptable and wants to know what would follow before it stops fighting, the agencies reported.

Ahead of Wednesday’s session, Umerov said the Ukrainian delegation planned to meet European representatives separately after the three-way talks.