Not much optimism around for tomorrow's US/Russia talks

Both sides in the brinkmanship game being played by Moscow and Washington over Ukraine are trying to reduce any expectations of a breakthrough to ease tensions. But this is all part of the diplomatic to-and-fro that happens every time there is an important summit or meeting between the big powers. A Russian foreign minister has said the Moscow negotiating team could walk out very quickly if the US fails to offer anything, and Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, has as good as said nothing will be achieved straightaway. So why bother meet at all? Because clearly the White House and Kremlin, after years of experience of handling the most tricky issues during the Cold War will be coming to the table with a few titbits that might just give a reason and purpose for extending the Geneva talks. There is no point in having a meeting with both sides sitting like rigid slabs of concrete refusing to budge an inch. The Cold War really is over despite appearances and it's time for some intelligent discussions between adults. That may be too much to hope for but you never know. In the old days it was called confidence-building measures. If the Geneva talks achieve nothing else let us hope at least that the wording of the communique - if there is a communique - will include words along the lines that both Moscow and Washington agree how important it is to maintain proper relations and to avoid conflict of any kind. From that foundation perhaps further talks can be arranged to cement a deal on guaranteeing stability and peaceful relations - and no invasion of Ukraine!