US and Ukrainian delegations met in Switzerland. AP Yonhap News 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assessed on the 24th (local time) that there were significant achievements in the peace talks held with the US delegation in Geneva the previous day, but maintained a cautious attitude.

Speaking via video at the Crimean Platform summit held in Sweden, Zelensky said, "We have succeeded in including extremely sensitive issues in the coordination process with the United States," AFP reported.

Zelensky explained that one of these achievements includes "the full release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians on the principle of all for all, and the complete return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia."

However, he added, "These are important steps, but much, much more is needed to achieve true peace," stating, "We will continue to cooperate with the United States to find a compromise that strengthens us and does not weaken us." He also said that Ukraine is facing a "critical moment."

In a separate message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky wrote that the delegation participating in the Geneva talks was returning home and that he was "expected to receive a comprehensive report this evening on the progress of the talks and the main emphases of the partners."

"Based on this report, we will decide on the next steps and timing," he wrote, adding, "We expect to achieve the necessary results."

Within Ukraine, voices are still strongly asserting their red lines, particularly regarding territorial issues.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament), stated at the Crimean Platform summit that the official recognition of territories occupied by Russia, limitations on the size of Ukraine's military, and constraints on Ukraine's future alliances are unacceptable conditions, Reuters reported.

This is contrary to the core content of the peace proposal previously put forward by US President Donald Trump.

Stefanchuk also emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) must be essential elements for Ukraine's security guarantees and all peace plans.

Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, also supported this, stating, "For lasting peace, Ukraine's borders must not be changed by force, and there should be no limitations on the Ukrainian military that could lead to further Russian aggression."

The Crimean Platform summit is an international diplomatic and security conference led by Ukraine, serving as a platform for international cooperation to counter Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea.

US and Ukrainian delegations engaged in lengthy peace talks in Geneva the previous day, based on a 28-point proposal put forth by President Trump.

In a joint statement after the meeting, both sides announced they had "drafted an updated and elaborated peace framework" and agreed that "these consultations were very productive."

They also assessed that "significant progress was made" during the meeting and reaffirmed that "any future agreement must fully guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty and ensure a sustainable and just peace."

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