Volodymyr Zelensky exploded in fury at US-brokered peace talks on Wednesday, declaring: “We don’t have time for this s***” after talks aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war threatened to hit a brick wall. The Ukrainian President’s patience snapped during the Geneva summit, highlighting the massive friction as Kyiv and Moscow struggle to find common ground.
Speaking to Axios, Ukrainian President Mr Zelensky criticised Vladimir Medinsky, a close adviser to Vladimir Putin now leading the Russian team, for dwelling on historical arguments. Mr Zelensky said: “We don’t have time for all this sh*t. So we have to decide, and have to finish the war.”
The outburst comes amid the third round of direct negotiations organised by the US, following earlier meetings in Abu Dhabi. Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv are working across political and military tracks to clarify parameters for potential agreements. Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, wrote on X that consultations are “taking place in working groups by areas within the political and military tracks” and aim to refine decisions discussed the previous day.
While diplomacy continues, fighting rages. Ukraine reported that overnight Russia fired one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones at Ukrainian territory. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone strike killed a woman and injured seven, including two children, regional officials said.
Mr Zelensky also criticised Donald Trump for publicly urging Ukraine to make concessions, calling it “not fair” and warning that peace “cannot be built by effectively giving victory to Putin.”
He thanked Trump for behind-the-scenes efforts via Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, but insisted Kyiv does not bow easily to pressure. Mr Zelensky said: “We respect each other. I am not such a person who easily gives in to pressure.”
The talks highlight a stark impasse. Moscow demands that Ukraine renounce NATO membership, sharply reduce its military, protect Russian language and culture, and withdraw forces from four occupied regions. Kyiv refuses to surrender territory, insisting on sovereignty and national integrity. Mr Zelensky has offered a ceasefire and a personal meeting with Putin, but Russia wants a comprehensive agreement before pausing hostilities.
Mr Zelensky said Kyiv and Moscow largely agreed on a US-led drone-based ceasefire monitoring mechanism, though Russia opposes broader European participation. He warned that Russia may use negotiations to buy time on the battlefield rather than compromise.
The Geneva talks underscore both the high stakes and the strain on diplomacy as the war nears its fourth year. Mr Zelensky’s blunt language reflects Kyiv’s impatience with delays and uneven international pressure.
With roughly 777 miles of frontline and repeated civilian strikes, the challenge remains bridging the vast gap between Ukraine’s demands and Moscow’s terms. Mr Zelensky’s public display of exasperation is rare but signals that Kyiv will not yield easily in negotiations.
Source link
