Geneva Talks Edge Toward Peace Talks as Ukraine Signals Concessions, Russia Pushes NATO Red Lines
Geneva negotiations among Ukraine, the US, and Russia focused on security parameters, POW exchanges, and humanitarian steps, with Kyiv signaling willingness to concession on Donbas withdrawals if a ceasefire and a binding referendum occur, while Moscow pressed for NATO non-expansion and the recovery of its original war aims, implying no immediate deal. Putin appears to be laying groundwork for limited rolling involuntary reserve call-ups to sustain battlefield tempo, backed by new bills and decrees to enable year-round mobilization and flexible force generation, with Kremlin messaging also justifying Telegram restrictions amid backlash. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces advanced near Pokrovsk and in northern Kharkiv Oblast, while Russian forces conducted multi-sector offensives and a heavy drone/missile campaign, producing limited gains and ongoing attrition for both sides.