US-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Fail to Achieve Breakthrough Amid Ongoing Fighting

• US-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace talks concluded without a breakthrough, with both sides acknowledging the discussions were "difficult."
• The third round of direct engagement in Switzerland saw no significant progress, despite earlier meetings described as constructive.
• Russian and Ukrainian delegations, led by Vladimir Medinsky and Rustem Umerov respectively, characterized negotiations as challenging.
• Fighting persists along the 1,250-kilometer front line, with Russian forces conducting daily strikes on civilian areas.
• Key demands remain far apart: Ukraine seeks a ceasefire and meeting with Putin, while Russia demands a comprehensive agreement, Ukraine's neutrality, and withdrawal from occupied regions.