**Ukraine’s Zelensky Urges US to Stay in Peace Talks Amid Russia Invasion**
As the world watches a devastating conflict unfold in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a crucial appeal for the United States to remain engaged in peace talks with Russia. Speaking at a press conference on April 22, Zelensky expressed deep concern over Washington’s threat to withdraw from negotiations.
“We are grateful to the UK for its leadership and support,” Zelensky said, addressing his country’s allies. “We will discuss ways to strengthen Ukraine and guarantee long-term peace and security.”
This statement comes as a response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assertion that Washington may cease its efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine if no progress is made in the coming days.
**US Plan Faces Criticism**
The proposed peace plan, reportedly presented by Trump, has faced significant pushback from Ukrainian officials. Zelensky has already rejected key aspects of the proposal, including US recognition of Russian control over Crimea. This move led to Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff skipping a scheduled meeting in London.
Critics argue that the US plan would involve concessions from Ukraine at the expense of the country’s sovereignty and security interests. The proposal reportedly requires Ukraine to give up aspirations for NATO membership, which has been a cornerstone of Ukrainian foreign policy.
**Russia’s War Efforts Continue**
In the midst of these diplomatic efforts, Russian forces have continued their assault on Ukraine. A drone attack on the town of Marhanets in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed at least nine people and injured over 30.
Regional authorities reported that at least four civilians were killed, and 88 others, including children, were injured across various Ukrainian regions in a single day. Russian forces also suffered 1,210 casualties.
**Reaction from Global Leaders**
The US has not ruled out the possibility of deploying European peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. However, top diplomats from the UK, France, and Germany have suspended their plans to attend talks in London due to reported disagreements over key points in the US peace plan.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voted against Ukraine’s accession to the EU in a national poll, while Swiss sanctions against eight Russian propaganda outlets will come into effect on April 23, 2025.
As tensions escalate, Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgen Perebyinis shared evidence of companies producing military equipment for Russia during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun.
