Zelensky Condemns Trump's 'Unfair' Demands Amid Strained Geneva Peace Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump for applying what he deems "unfair" pressure on Ukraine during ongoing peace talks in Geneva. The negotiations, described as "very tense" by sources, involved Russian, Ukrainian, and US delegates meeting for six hours without a breakthrough, with plans to resume on Wednesday.
In an interview with Axios, Zelensky expressed frustration that Trump has publicly urged Kyiv to compromise to end the war, while not making similar demands on Russia, the aggressor nation. "I hope it is just his tactics and not the decision," Zelensky stated, reflecting concerns over US support. Trump had earlier told reporters, "Ukraine better come to the table fast. That’s all I’m telling you," adding to the diplomatic strain.
Germany Turns to Ukraine's Battle-Hardened Troops for Drone Warfare Training
In a significant development, the German Armed Forces have signed an agreement to enlist Ukrainian soldiers to train Bundeswehr troops in drone operations and defensive tactics. A spokesperson confirmed the deal, struck last week between Zelensky and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, as reported by Der Spiegel.
German officials aim to leverage Ukraine's extensive combat experience, particularly in drone warfare, counter-drone strategies, and modern command technologies. "No one in Nato currently has more war experience than Ukraine, and we must take advantage of that," an unnamed German officer emphasised. The training will focus on infantry skills, with Ukrainian troops expected to travel to Germany soon, though specific timing and duration remain unclear.
Additionally, Germany seeks to learn from Ukraine's rapid deployment of simple, app-based systems for planning combat operations and managing units, highlighting innovations born from frontline necessity.
Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Oil and Chemical Facilities
Ukraine's domestic security service, the SBU, reported successful drone strikes on the Taman oil terminal in Russia's Krasnodar region and the Metafrax Chemicals plant in the Perm region overnight. These attacks are part of Kyiv's intensified campaign against strategic Russian targets, including oil refineries that fuel Moscow's war efforts.
An SBU official noted this was the second strike on the Taman terminal since January, with Ukrainian forces hitting nine oil refineries across Russia since the start of the year. Robert Brovdi, commander of Kyiv's drone forces, stated that 240 facilities in Russia and occupied territories have been targeted, underscoring Ukraine's expanding long-range capabilities.
Zelensky Announces Return of 2,000 Ukrainian Children from Russia
President Zelensky revealed that Ukraine has successfully repatriated 2,000 children from Russian-controlled territory through the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. He thanked government officials, civil society, and international partners for their efforts but warned that thousands more children remain captive, facing daily victimisation by Russian forces.
"We still have a long and difficult road ahead of us. Thousands of Ukrainian children still remain hostages of Russia, becoming victims of its crimes every day," Zelensky affirmed, pledging to continue the rescue mission until every child is returned home.
Peace Talks Focus on Practical Mechanics Amid European Involvement
Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, indicated that Tuesday's discussions centred on "practical issues and the mechanics of possible decisions," with talks set to continue. European delegations were present in Geneva at Zelensky's request, though they did not participate directly in the trilateral negotiations, according to sources.
The Geneva round occurs just before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on 24 February, with Moscow currently occupying about a fifth of Ukraine's territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas region. Zelensky reiterated that any peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede uncontested land would be rejected in a referendum, highlighting the high stakes of the diplomatic efforts.
