High-Level Peace Talks in London Canceled After U.S. Withdrawal
European diplomats have called off high-level peace negotiations set to take place in London this Wednesday, following a sudden cancellation of U.S. participation.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to The Washington Post.
A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the cancellation stemmed from frustration over Ukraine's rejection of proposals involving territorial compromises to Russia. Additionally, Ukrainian leaders have insisted on discussing a full ceasefire before addressing other issues, a stance that has been a point of contention in Washington.
While top-level talks are now off the table, lower-level discussions will continue as planned. British Foreign Minister David Lammy, who was scheduled to host the meeting, will now participate in these discussions instead of leading the foreign ministers’ session.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was set to travel to London on Tuesday but announced his withdrawal just hours before departure. Steve Witkoff, a special envoy of Donald Trump’s administration and a key figure in White House peace efforts, also canceled his attendance. Witkoff is now expected to visit Moscow later this week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously rejected a proposal floated by Witkoff, which suggested that the U.S. might formally recognize Crimea as part of Russia in exchange for Moscow agreeing to end the conflict. Zelenskyy emphasized that such a move would violate Ukraine’s constitution, insisting that Crimea remains Ukrainian territory.
Despite the cancellation, Ukraine's delegation, which included Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, arrived in London. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to peace efforts, stating that discussions would focus on achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire as the first step toward a lasting resolution.
Read more: Why Ukraine cannot give up the territories occupied by Russia.