Ukrainian delegation in London for peace talks US Top Diplomat Bows Out

A Ukrainian delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, alongside Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, has arrived in London for high-level talks aimed at advancing peace.

The Ukrainian officials are expected to meet with US and European representatives who are also in the UK capital from April 22, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

Andriy Yermak said Ukraine has remained committed to peaceful initiatives, citing its involvement in earlier talks, including the March meeting in Jeddah. He emphasised that Ukraine has consistently shown it is not an obstacle to peace.

According to him, the discussions in London will focus on securing a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward a comprehensive resolution of the war and the establishment of a just and lasting peace.

Note that, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has opted out of Ukraine-related talks in London on April 23, citing Kyiv’s refusal to recognise Crimea as part of Russia — a key element of a peace plan linked to the former Trump administration.

Rubio’s decision follows Ukraine’s rejection of a proposal under which Crimea would be formally recognised as Russian territory in exchange for a ceasefire along the current front line. A senior US official said the plan had been presented to both Moscow and Kyiv to mediate a settlement.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, ruled out any agreement that would acknowledge Russia’s control over Crimea. Speaking on April 22, he declared, “Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to discuss. It contradicts our constitution.”

As a result, the high-level talks in London were downgraded to behind-closed-doors official-level discussions, with Rubio and several other foreign ministers pulling out, officially citing scheduling conflicts.

Despite skipping the meeting, Rubio held a phone call with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Describing the exchange as “productive” on X, Rubio voiced hope for continued engagement with the UK and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance issued a stark warning: “We will withdraw from mediating between Russia and Ukraine if we do not receive a positive response. We have presented a clear and fair proposal to both the Russians and Ukrainians.”

Diplomatic sources indicate growing pressure from Washington on Kyiv to consider territorial concessions — a stance firmly rejected by Zelenskyy, who reiterated, “It is our land.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev