**Diplomatic Fallout: Top Officials Pull Out of London Talks on Ukraine**
In a surprise move, the chief diplomats of the UK, France, Ukraine, and Germany have abandoned their plans to attend crucial talks in London aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. The news broke on April 23, according to Sky News, as the international community struggles to find a way out of the ongoing conflict.
This sudden withdrawal has significantly downgraded the level of the meeting, which will now be led by lower-ranking officials. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is still expected to visit London and hold separate talks with his UK counterpart, David Lammy. However, this change in plans raises concerns about the meeting’s effectiveness in resolving the crisis.
**US Proposal Sparks Rejection**
The US was reportedly at the center of the controversy when it presented Ukraine with a ceasefire proposal during talks in Paris on April 17. The plan included recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea as part of a peace deal, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected. Zelensky emphasized that Crimea remains an integral part of Ukraine and its recognition would be unconstitutional.
The Ukrainian leader warned that discussing Crimea risks shifting the negotiations into a framework dictated by the Kremlin, playing directly into Vladimir Putin’s hands. He accused the US proposal of being part of a “game” orchestrated by Russia. This rejection has significant implications for the peace process, as it underscores Ukraine’s strong stance on its territorial integrity.
**US Backs Out, Kyiv Seeks Ceasefire**
In light of this development, the US delegation in London will be led by Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. According to Axios, Ukraine hopes to discuss a 30-day ceasefire proposal during the meeting, rather than pursuing a broader peace plan advocated by President Donald Trump.
Furthermore, The Financial Times reported that Putin has offered the US to halt his full-scale invasion of Ukraine along the current front line. However, this claim is disputed by the Kremlin’s press office. If true, it would mark a crucial shift in Russia’s stance on the conflict.
As international efforts continue to find a way out of the crisis, one thing remains clear: the diplomatic landscape has changed significantly since these talks were initially announced. The cancellation of top officials’ attendance and Ukraine’s rejection of the US proposal raise questions about the meeting’s effectiveness in resolving the conflict.
