**Ukraine Insists on Unconditional Ceasefire at Downgraded London Peace Talks**
A high-level Ukrainian delegation met with European officials and US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg in London on April 23 to discuss a possible path to peace. However, the meeting was downgraded after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff declined to participate.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the meeting with US Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg was “constructive” but stressed that Ukraine wants a ceasefire more than anyone else in the world. Sybiha emphasized that an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire should be the first step towards negotiations on achieving a just and lasting peace.
**Russia’s Ongoing Invasion**
Despite the efforts to broker a ceasefire, Russia continues to engage in aggressive military actions against Ukraine. The US President Donald Trump administration has been trying to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but its proposals have been met with resistance from Kyiv.
The Trump administration’s latest proposal includes de jure recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and de facto recognition of its control over other occupied Ukrainian territories. However, Ukraine has firmly rejected any deal that concedes sovereign territory.
**International Community’s Response**
The international community is also stepping up pressure on Russia to end the conflict. The European Commission is exploring options to legally prohibit EU companies from signing new contracts for the supply of Russian fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the US media outlet Axios reported that the Trump administration’s final proposal for ending the Russia-Ukraine war includes de jure recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
**Kyiv Residents’ Reaction**
We spoke with Kyiv residents about the US proposal, and many expressed strong opposition to any deal that recognizes Russia’s control over Ukrainian territory. One resident said, “Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?”
**Experts Warn of Global Consequences**
Experts warn that formally recognizing Crimea as Russian would breach international law and potentially open the door to further global conflicts. Reports that the US could formally give de jure recognition to Russia’s control over Crimea have landed like a bombshell in Kyiv.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine remains committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The country will not accept a peace agreement that would give Russia a chance to regroup for further attacks and sees a full ceasefire as “the necessary first step,” Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 23.
**Downgrade of London Summit**
The meeting was initially scheduled at a ministerial level but was downgraded after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his participation. A day earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun was invited to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to meet with Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis.
**Russia’s Military Equipment Shortages**
Despite significantly ramping up weapons production last year, Russia’s armed forces are still missing key military equipment, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. The revelation highlights the ongoing challenges facing Russia as it continues to engage in aggressive military actions against Ukraine.
As the situation remains volatile, one thing is clear: Ukraine will not back down on its demands for a full and unconditional ceasefire.
