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Ukraine Peace Talks Face Uncertainty as US Secretary of State Skips London Summit
Ukraine peace talks are facing considerable instability as Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, unexpectedly declined to attend a scheduled summit in London. This development follows Kyiv’s reported refusal to acknowledge Russian authority over Crimea adding complexity to diplomatic efforts. Donald Trump‘s emerging ‘peace’ proposal is also under scrutiny.
Summit Downgraded Amidst Diplomatic Tensions
The planned discussions, which were supposed to include David Lammy and other key European figures, have been scaled back to a lower official level. This change occurred after Rubio’s abrupt withdrawal. The core issue appears to stem from Ukraine’s rejection of a US request to recognize Russian control over Crimea.
Trump’s Proposed Peace Plan: An Overview
Insights into Donald Trump’s ‘peace’ plan are gradually surfacing, suggesting a strategy that includes:
- An immediate halt to hostilities.
- US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.
- De facto recognition of territories seized from Ukraine during the recent conflict.
- Lifting all sanctions imposed on Moscow.
- A commitment from Ukraine to abstain from joining NATO.
- An agreement allowing the US to tap into Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Potential Concessions and Lingering Questions
Potential concessions for Ukraine might involve Russia withdrawing from areas near the Dnieper River and parts of the Kherson province. Ambiguity remains regarding the future of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.
European Concerns and the Call for a Unified Front
This proposed framework is likely to generate unease among European nations, who have advocated for a firmer stance against Vladimir Putin and sought US assurances for security guarantees.
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Details of Donald Trump’s ‘peace’ initiative for Ukraine are beginning to materialize.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) was slated to participate in discussions with David Lammy (right) and European representatives.
US Delegation Shift and Limited Expectations
Trump previously asserted his capability to broker peace ‘on day one.’ However, he has hinted at potentially abandoning the negotiation process if a prompt resolution is not achieved.
Keith Kellogg, the US envoy for Ukraine and Russia, will now represent Washington in London, replacing Rubio. However, Kellogg’s influence within the administration appears to be waning.
State Department Explanation vs. Reality
The US State Department cited a scheduling conflict as the reason for Rubio’s absence, although this suggests that the prospects for a substantial breakthrough in London are slim.
Diplomatic Maneuvering Continues
Steve Witkoff, another Trump envoy who has been actively involved in the talks, is scheduled to return to Moscow this week, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky’s Stance on Crimea and Ceasefire
Zelensky has firmly rejected relinquishing control of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and has called for an unconditional ceasefire as an essential prerequisite for negotiations.
‘This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine,’ the president affirmed.
He told reporters: ‘If we are ready for an unconditional ceasefire – it means silence at sea, in the air, and at the front, on the ground – Ukraine is ready to take the relevant steps.’
Zelensky has refused to concede ownership of Crimea – invaded by Russia in 2014 – and has demanded an unconditional ceasefire as an initial step to negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
The blueprint is likely to fuel alarm among European governments, after they appealed for a tougher line against Vladimir Putin and for America to underpin security guarantees.
Lammy’s Optimism Amidst Challenges
Prior to the talks, Lammy conveyed optimism, stating he had a ‘productive call’ with Rubio.
He affirmed, ‘The UK is working with the US, Ukraine, and Europe to end Putin’s illegal invasion.’
Rubio’s Perspective
Rubio indicated that the US delegation, despite his absence, was ‘looking forward to substantive and good technical meetings with Ukrainian and UK counterparts’ and mentioned he would be ‘rescheduling my trip to the UK in the coming months’.