Fourth Russia-Ukraine talks yield only prisoner swap and vague security pledges

The fourth round of Russia-Ukraine talks, mediated by the United States, yielded only a prisoner exchange of 1,000 per side and vague security references, which observers deem insufficient to call productive. Moscow's demands, including limiting Ukraine's future military size and refusing to return occupied territories like Donbas, remain unattainable. Russia reportedly continues attacks on civilian targets, while US Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine have averaged only 12 per month this year. European Union members show growing hesitation in supporting Ukraine amid domestic financial pressures, despite 76% of EU citizens backing aid. The war has cost Russia approximately €560 billion since 2022, while Ukraine spends €4.2 billion monthly.