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Top Diplomats From UK, US, France, Germany, and Ukraine Reportedly Postpone Peace Talks in London
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![Amira_barkhush]( "Photo of Amira Barkhush")
Senior diplomats from the UK, France, Ukraine, and Germany have postponed planned peace talks in London aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, Sky News reported on April 23.
As a result, the April 23 meeting will proceed at a lower diplomatic level, with other senior officials representing the countries involved. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is still expected to travel to London for a separate meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, according to the outlet.
Their withdrawal follows a decision by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who reportedly canceled their participation after Ukraine rejected a purported US proposal that would have recognized Russia’s occupation of Crimea as part of a broader peace agreement.
On April 20, The Wall Street Journal reported that during a meeting in Paris on April 17, US officials presented Ukraine with a classified document outlining proposals for achieving a “durable peace in Ukraine.”
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One of the most debated aspects of the proposal is the idea that the US might officially acknowledge Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Additionally, the plan reportedly excludes the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO.
The UK and France are spearheading efforts to ensure Europe plays a central role in shaping a peace settlement in Ukraine.
Both countries have also been working to build a "coalition of the willing " that could deploy British, French, and other foreign forces to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, with the aim of helping to secure and stabilize the peace.
During a press briefing on April 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the prospects of a potential ceasefire with Russia, affirming that Ukraine is prepared to enter negotiations with Russia in any format once a ceasefire is established.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
