US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva ended on Wednesday with no major progress, as the war nears its fifth year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said no deal was reached on the toughest questions. He accused Russia of "trying to drag out" the talks. Zelenskyy stated, "We can see that some groundwork has been done, but for now the positions differ, because the negotiations were not easy." The biggest sticking points include the status of Russian-held lands in eastern Ukraine and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under Moscow's control. Talks covered military and political issues, including steps for a possible ceasefire. Zelenskyy called the military talks "constructive" and explained, "The military understand how to monitor a ceasefire and the end of the war if there is political will." The short second day of talks lasted just two hours, showing limited progress. Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky called the talks "difficult but businesslike" and said more rounds are planned. Moscow demands full control of eastern territories as a peace condition, which Kyiv rejects. However, Zelenskyy said he may allow Ukrainian troops to pull back from parts of the east and create a demilitarised zone. But he warned, "Emotionally, people will never forgive this. Never. They will not forgive … me, they will not forgive [the US]." Security guarantees from Western allies before any territorial deal remain essential for Ukraine. Zelenskyy criticized the US approach as pushing territory swaps first, writing, "I think – first, security guarantees. Second, we will not give up our territories because we are ready for compromise." European leaders doubt Russian President Vladimir Putin will make real concessions unless losing battlefield ground or facing major internal troubles. Western intelligence suggests Russia struggles to recruit more troops. Russia's limited gains contrast with Ukrainian counterattacks around southern Zaporizhzhia. The Russian economy also slows but not enough yet to change Kremlin policy. Analyst Tatiana Stanovaya summed it up, "As long as Putin is in power, Russia isn’t paralysed by widespread protests, and there is at least some money left in the budget for weapons, the war will continue."