US-Russia 8-Hour Talks on Ukraine Solution End Empty-Handed... "Discussion, Not Negotiation" (Summary)

Both Sides Firm in Their Claims... No Common Ground Found
Russia Pressures "Military Response if Negotiations Fail"

On the 10th (local time) at a security meeting between the United States and Russia held in Geneva, Switzerland, to resolve the Ukraine conflict, representatives from both sides posed for a commemorative photo. Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State leading the American delegation (left), and Sergey Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister leading the Russian delegation (right), are posing. Geneva (Switzerland) = AP·Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The talks between the United States and Russia aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict reportedly ended without any significant achievements, merely reaffirming the differences between the two sides. Despite nearly eight hours of marathon discussions, the parties remained firmly opposed, failing to find common ground. It appears unlikely that diplomatic breakthroughs will be achieved in the upcoming follow-up talks.

At the security talks held on the 10th (local time) in Geneva, Switzerland, Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State leading the American delegation, stated at a press conference immediately after the meeting, "We opposed Russia's unrealistic demands," emphasizing, "No one can close NATO's open-door policy."

This drew a clear line against Russia's pre-meeting demands to prohibit NATO's expansion of member states and to commit to banning military activities in Eastern Europe, declaring these demands non-negotiable. Deputy Secretary Sherman also downplayed the talks by describing them as "discussions, not negotiations."

Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister leading the Russian delegation, reiterated Russia's existing positions. At a press conference, he said, "We made great efforts to explain why playing with fire does not benefit the United States. Russia conveyed that it has no plans to invade Ukraine," adding, "Despite NATO's opposition, Russia will continue training within its territory, and if negotiations fail, Russia's response will take on military and technical characteristics," issuing a warning.

However, both sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations going forward. Deputy Secretary Sherman stated, "The Russian delegation proposed meeting again soon, and we expect future talks to be held in Switzerland." Specific dates for the follow-up talks have not yet been determined.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, "The U.S. delegation proposed that if Russia accepts measures to ease tensions such as troop withdrawals near the Ukraine border, discussions could be held regarding the deployment of U.S. troops and equipment in Eastern Europe. However, Russia insists that the West must accept a ban on NATO expansion, making it difficult for the two sides to find common ground." It further noted, "The U.S. is expected to participate in the NATO-Russia talks scheduled for the 12th in Brussels and the OSCE-Russia talks on the 13th, but immediate diplomatic breakthroughs seem unlikely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.