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Recent Ukraine peace negotiations that were set to occur in London have been abruptly postponed as speculation arises regarding potential shifts in Russia’s stance. The postponement followed the announcement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated he would be unable to attend the talks.
The UK Foreign Office stated that instead of ministerial discussions, talks would proceed at an official level, although initial statements from the Kremlin maintained opposition to NATO countries deploying peacekeepers in Ukraine.
In a social media post shortly before midnight, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described his dialogue with Rubio as constructive, suggesting that discussions would now be held with officials. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing talks, stating, “This is a critical moment for Ukraine, Britain and Euro-Atlantic security.”
Despite the change in format, Ukraine dispatched a senior delegation to London, led by Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelenskyy has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
In a tragic development, early reports indicated that nine individuals were killed when a Russian drone attacked a bus containing workers in Marhanets, underscoring the ongoing violence amid the diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian authorities reported a total of 134 drone strikes that night.
The significance of the discussions had been highlighted by Britain, which had expected participation from delegations from France and Germany, while the US planned to send Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg in lieu of Rubio.
The postponement came after reports suggested that Russia and the US had made headway in separate bilateral peace discussions. Sources indicated to the Financial Times and other outlets that Russia is potentially ready to abandon its total territorial claims in four partially occupied Ukrainian regions after three years of conflict.
Currently, both Russia and the US have not officially confirmed these reports. However, former President Donald Trump implied that he would detail the peace proposals shortly, as the conflict continues to evolve.
A source familiar with negotiations indicated that President Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to freeze the current conflict along existing frontlines during discussions with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Yet, it remains uncertain what additional demands Putin may propose and whether these might serve as a strategy to involve Trump in a larger agreement.
US Vice President JD Vance, during a visit to India, asserted that the White House would withdraw from the negotiations if both parties did not adhere to an unspecified peace plan. “We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say yes or for the US to walk away from this process,” Vance stated.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s uncompromising position regarding Crimea, asserting, “There is nothing new to mention or discuss. Ukraine will not recognise the occupation of Crimea,” highlighting the constitutional barriers that prevent acknowledgment of Russian sovereignty over the region.
On the negotiation front, Zelenskyy proposed his own plan, emphasizing the necessity for an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire, with the urgent need to halt violence as the foremost objective.
In addition to Ukraine’s insistence on certain conditions, Russia’s demands might encompass a cessation of Western military aid to Kyiv and restrictions on the presence of Western troops in Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Putin, expressed continued opposition to European peacekeeping forces, which Ukraine views as crucial for its security if NATO membership isn’t granted.
Peskov noted that there are “many nuances” in negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, emphasizing that the parties’ interests remain divergent.
Both Britain and France have suggested forming a 30-nation “reassurance force” for deployment in Ukraine following a ceasefire, aimed at preventing potential future escalations, although such proposals have met resistance from Russia.
Lammy had aimed to unite the US, Ukraine, and Europe in these peace discussions to fortify relationships among allies, especially amid ongoing US-Russia dialogues. However, the unexpected cancellation by Rubio and a series of leaks that appeared to favor direct US-Russia discussions complicated the situation for the British minister.
Initial assessments imply that Russia may be willing to negotiate territorial concessions in exchange for US recognition of the annexation of Crimea, which would fundamentally challenge post-World War II international agreements with respect to altering borders through force.
The Kremlin’s communications appear meticulously orchestrated to complicate Zelenskyy’s position, as leaders have consistently stated that legal recognition of Crimea’s annexation is untenable.
Russia’s approach might leverage perceived war fatigue within Ukraine after over three years of conflict, presenting proposals as alternative options contrary to Western-backed calls for an immediate ceasefire enabling further dialogue.
Recent accusations from Ukraine and the UK have highlighted potential bad faith on Russia’s part, with Ukraine documenting over 2,000 breaches of a recently announced ceasefire. UK Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned, “Despite President Putin’s promise of a 30-hour pause in fighting, I can confirm that Defence Intelligence has found, and I quote, ‘no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed over the Easter period’,” reinforcing skepticism around the sincerity of Russian commitments.
Source
www.theguardian.com