Russia says Ukraine talks “difficult, but business-like”

• Lead negotiator Rustem Umerov reported "intensive and substantive" progress in Geneva, stating that working groups successfully clarified the military and political mechanisms for a potential deal, though specific details remain confidential.
• Following the conclusion of this round on Wednesday, negotiators from both sides will now present the developed proposals to their respective presidents to seek a high-level consensus on "security parameters" and territorial compromises.

Ukraine's lead negotiator Rustem Umerov insisted there was "progress" in US-mediated talks with Russia towards ending the near four-year war, after a two-day meeting in Geneva wrapped up Wednesday.

The talks ended well before lunchtime, much shorter than the six hours of meetings on Tuesday.

Umerov said the talks were "intensive and substantive", in a brief statement to reporters.

"Both political and military tracks were engaged; security parameters and mechanisms for implementing possible decisions were discussed."

He said a number of issues had been clarified, while others needed further coordination.

"We are focused on working through the key provisions required to finalise the process. This is complex work that requires alignment among all parties and sufficient time," said Umerov.

"There is progress but no details can be disclosed at this stage."

He said the next step was to try to reach a level of consensus to "submit the developed decisions for consideration by the presidents", adding that this would need not just a formal foundation but a practical one.

"Ukraine remains constructive. The ultimate objective is unchanged: the just and sustainable peace," Umerov said.

The United States has been pushing for an end to the war, but has so far failed to broker a compromise between Moscow and Kyiv on the key issue of territory.

The ensuing conflict has resulted in a tidal wave of destruction that has left entire cities in ruins, tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians dead and forced millions of people to flee their homes.