After two days, negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the USA ended without a ceasefire agreement, highlighting how far apart both sides remain. Discussions addressed military monitoring and possible prisoner exchanges, yet the central dispute over territory continues unresolved. Russia insists on control of the eastern Donbas region, while Ukraine rejects surrendering sovereign land and seeks security guarantees against future invasion. The status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant also remains contested. After years of war, millions remain displaced and daily attacks continue to endanger civilians. Diplomats describe the talks as substantive but difficult, with further meetings expected. European representatives have struggled to be included in the negotiations, and  Zelensky said European participation was ‘indispensible’ for any final agreement. 24 February will be the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.