**Developing Story: Downgraded Peace Talks Begin in London**
A crucial meeting between U.S., UK, German, French, and Ukrainian officials to discuss a path towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war has begun in London. However, the talks have been downgraded from ministerial level to lower-level representatives due to disagreements on key points of the U.S. peace plan.
According to Sky News, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his participation after President Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out the recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea as part of a potential deal. This move was seen as a major setback for the talks, which were expected to be held at a high level.
**Ukraine Refuses to Budge**
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, is now meeting with European national security advisors and U.S. officials instead. They have made it clear that they will not accept a peace agreement that would give Russia a chance to regroup for further attacks.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko emphasized the need for security guarantees and rejected recognition of Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s territory. “We are ready to negotiate, but not surrender,” she said.
**Breakdown in Talks**
The U.S. leadership was reportedly angered by Ukraine’s refusal to cede territory to Russia and its insistence on a full ceasefire as the first step towards peace. An official source told The Washington Post that this led to the disruption of the talks.
Despite the setbacks, Yermak remained optimistic, saying “Despite everything, we continue working for peace.” He added that they would discuss ways to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire as the first step towards a comprehensive settlement and a just and lasting peace.
**Russian Attacks Continue**
Meanwhile, Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions have killed at least four civilians and injured at least 88, including children, over the past day. The number of casualties includes 1,210 Russian forces who were reportedly wounded or killed in the same period.
A Russian drone attack on the town of Marhanets in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on April 23 killed at least nine people and injured at least 30, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.
**U.S. Peace Efforts Uncertain**
The breakdown in talks has raised questions about the U.S.’s commitment to peace efforts. President Trump has said that his country will abandon the peace efforts unless progress is made, while his envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia for a high-level meeting this week.
**European Union Takes Action**
In related news, the European Commission is exploring options to legally prohibit EU companies from signing new contracts for the supply of Russian fossil fuels. This move comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
**Other Developments**
A Russian court in occupied Zaporizhia sentenced two residents to 14 years in a general regime penal colony for alleged “treason” over fund transfers to the Ukrainian military. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has publicly expressed opposition to Ukraine’s accession to the EU, voting “against” in a national poll.
The Swiss sanctions against eight Russian propaganda outlets will come into force on April 23, 2025.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear whether peace talks will be able to move forward.
