Ukraine confirms multilateral peace talks with Western partners in London

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States will gather in London on April 23 to continue discussions aimed at securing a peaceful resolution to Russia’s ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine.

The announcement came on April 21, following what Zelenskyy described as a “good and detailed” conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Ukrainian President stressed that Kyiv is prepared to advance constructively toward an “unconditional ceasefire and the establishment of real, lasting peace.”

“This Easter made it clear that it is Russia’s actions that are delaying the end of the war,” Zelenskyy said. “We’re ready to move forward constructively toward an unconditional ceasefire.”

He also expressed gratitude for continued international support, stating that his talks with Prime Minister Starmer included discussion on deeper cooperation within broader European security frameworks. “Thank you, Britain,” he added.

The latest diplomatic initiative coincides with renewed controversy following a deadly Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Sumy on April 13. The attack, which targeted the Congress Centre of Sumy State University, killed at least 35 people — including two children — and injured more than 120, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin later acknowledged that Russian forces were behind the strike but defended it by claiming the site was being used for military purposes. “Strikes on civilian objects are carried out if they are used by the Kyiv military,” Putin said, echoing a common narrative propagated by Russian state media.

He further alleged that the venue had been used to honor individuals accused by Moscow of actions against Russian forces. “These are the people whom Russia considers criminals who should receive deserved retribution for what they did,” he said.

In an apparent justification for attacks on facilities not typically considered military targets, Putin claimed that Ukrainian armed forces routinely hold gatherings and celebrations in civilian spaces. “The Armed Forces of Ukraine hold gatherings, meetings, conferences in restaurants, celebrate something, and drink vodka. Is this a civilian facility? Civilian. But what is the purpose? Military,” he said.

Putin added that such matters require “thorough study” and could be evaluated through dialogue, saying: “We do not rule it out. So we will analyse all this and make appropriate decisions.”

Ukrainian officials have firmly rejected the notion that the Congress Centre at Sumy State University was being used for military purposes. The university has no known military ties, and photos released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service show widespread civilian damage at the site.

By Tamilla Hasanova