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Ukraine Peace Talks with Foreign Ministers in London Postponed
Scheduled peace negotiations that were set to occur today in London under the leadership of British Foreign Secretary David Lammy have been postponed and altered to lower-level official discussions that will not be open to media coverage.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement announcing, “the Ukraine peace talks meeting with foreign ministers today is being postponed. Official level talks will continue but these are closed to media.”
Further details are forthcoming…
The UK Foreign Office confirmed the postponement of ministerial discussions on Ukraine peace with American and European partners, fueled by uncertainty regarding Russia’s territorial ambitions and the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The cancellation was conveyed in a concise announcement from the Foreign Office, indicating that the high-level ministerial gatherings planned for this morning would not occur, and would instead shift to unofficial, behind-the-scenes conversations.
Before midnight, Lammy described his discussions with Rubio as productive on social media, suggesting that future meetings would operate at a more modest level. He expressed, “Talks continue at pace, and officials will meet in London tomorrow. This is a critical moment for Ukraine, Britain, and Euro-Atlantic security.”
These dialogues held significant importance for the UK, with delegations from France and Germany also expected to be involved. However, the downgrade of these discussions appears linked to emerging rumors that Russia might relinquish claims to certain Ukrainian territories it does not currently control, contingent on the US acknowledging the annexation of Crimea.
Rubio indicated he intends to reschedule his visit to the UK in the upcoming months.
Ukraine Claims to Have Shot Down 67 Out of 134 Drones Used in Russian Attacks Overnight
Suspilne, Ukraine’s state broadcaster, has reported that Ukraine claimed to have intercepted 67 out of 134 drones deployed in overnight Russian assaults.
Additionally, Ukraine’s air force asserted that 47 of the drones failed to reach their designated targets. Strikes were reported in regions including Kharkiv, Poltava, Donetsk, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia.
A Russian drone attack struck a bus transporting workers in the city of Marhanets early Wednesday, resulting in at least nine fatalities and inflicting injuries on around 30 individuals, according to official reports. Additionally, six individuals were reported injured in Poltava region.
Local authorities in Kherson indicated a Russian strike on energy infrastructure, raising alarm over potential power supply interruptions.
The anticipated high-level peace discussions in London have been postponed following the announcement that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be absent.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Office reiterated, “the Ukraine peace talks meeting with foreign ministers today is being postponed. Official level talks will continue but these are closed to media.”
Late Tuesday, Rubio and UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy exchanged messages on social media, expressing satisfaction with their “productive” talks, with Lammy acknowledging the discussions as being crucial for Ukraine, Britain, and Euro-Atlantic security.
According to reports from both the Financial Times and Axios, discussions have hinted at a prospective agreement that may involve a ceasefire corresponding to the current front lines, US recognition of Crimea as Russian, and a US veto preventing Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
Tragic Drone Attack in Marhanets Leaves Nine Dead
A Russian drone targeted a bus transporting workers in Marhanets early Wednesday, resulting in nine fatalities amid a series of assaults aimed at civilian structures across eastern, southern, and central Ukraine.
The head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional council, Mykola Lukashuk, confirmed the bus was struck while workers were en route to their jobs. He reported nine deaths and over 30 injuries from the attack.
Reports from Reuters indicate that another incident in the Synelnykivskyi district also resulted in injuries and a fire at a local agricultural establishment.
Russia simultaneously launched a significant drone offensive against the Poltava region, injuring at least six, with strikes specifically aimed at civilian infrastructure, as noted by the emergency service.
Expected Developments in Peace Talks
Reporting by Dan Sabbagh and Luke Harding from Kyiv
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to lead discussions in London with US and European diplomats regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, amid rumors suggesting that Russia may be prepared to renounce claims over parts of Ukraine it does not control.
Such a move would likely require the US to make concessions, including the formal recognition of Crimea’s annexation by Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the White House has not presented any such proposal, asserting that Ukraine could not accept such terms.
Emerging discussions suggest a ceasefire might be established along current frontlines, under the condition that Russia’s territorial claims are abandoned—a proposal that Ukraine indicates could be acceptable, provided it does not necessitate acknowledging the legitimacy of Russian occupiers.
Under this proposed agreement, the US would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, which Kyiv has hesitantly begun to acknowledge. Security assurances for Ukraine would stem from a coalition led by the UK and France, aimed at providing a contingency force without US involvement.
Initially, it was anticipated that Rubio would attend the discussions, but the State Department later clarified that he would not be present, with Keith Kellogg, the White House’s envoy for Ukraine, instead participating.
Overview of Current Events
In summary, this rolling coverage addresses key aspects of the conflict in Ukraine:
US and European allies are set to gather in London for a new phase of peace negotiations.
Emerging reports suggest a potential ceasefire agreement could hinge on US recognition of Russia’s claims over Crimea.
Zelenskyy has stated that no such proposals regarding Crimea have been made by the White House and that Ukraine cannot endorse them.
A US veto would effectively hinder Ukraine’s NATO membership—a condition that is now being considered by Kyiv.
A recent Russian drone attack on a bus in Marhanets has resulted in significant civilian casualties, highlighting the ongoing threats to non-combatants amid the escalating conflict.
Source
www.theguardian.com