Key Ukraine peace meeting in London postponed
The meeting scheduled for Wednesday in London between officials from the United States, Ukraine, and the European Union has been postponed, after several foreign ministers cancelled their participation, according to Reuters.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled his visit to the British capital, citing concerns about a potential return of Ukraine to its initial hardline positions, which could jeopardize any progress in negotiations, according to a European official. The high-level meeting was intended to bring together the foreign ministers of Britain, Ukraine, France, and Germany.
The postponement comes as US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could abandon its mediation efforts if significant progress is not made in the period ahead. Trump recently stated that he hopes Moscow and Kyiv will reach an agreement this week, but European diplomats are skeptical, citing substantial differences between the parties.
On a separate diplomatic channel, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, according to a White House announcement. Meanwhile, General Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration's representative for Ukraine, will participate in technical meetings in London.
Last week's discussions in Paris did not result in a common position between the United States, Ukraine, and the European Union. Some of Washington's proposals, including the recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea, were considered unacceptable by Europeans and the authorities in Kyiv, according to diplomatic sources.
Another sticking point involves Moscow's demand for the lifting of European sanctions before the finalization of negotiations – a request categorically rejected by European leaders. In addition, the US proposed the establishment of a neutral zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he is open to collaboration with Washington for the reactivation of the facility.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
