U.S., Allies Push for Ukraine Ceasefire in London Talks

On Wednesday, the United States, Ukraine, and European allies are set to convene in London to discuss a peace plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. This meeting follows a previous gathering in Paris, where the U.S. proposed measures to facilitate a halt in hostilities and a peace agreement between the two nations. The discussions in London are expected to build on the progress made in Paris, with a focus on finding a constructive path forward.

The U.S. delegation will include high-ranking officials such as Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. They will engage in talks with their counterparts from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. The discussions will cover sensitive and non-public matters, as indicated by anonymous sources familiar with the situation. The goal is to push for an unconditional ceasefire and to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement following a conversation with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasized the importance of an unconditional ceasefire as the first step towards peace. He noted that the actions of Russia have prolonged the conflict, as evidenced by recent events around Easter. Zelenskyy expressed readiness to work constructively with the U.S., the U.K., France, and other allies to achieve this goal.

Steve Witkoff, who has previously held three rounds of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is expected to travel to Moscow this week. This visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. The London meeting is seen as a continuation of the diplomatic process initiated in Paris, where the U.S. proposed easing sanctions on Moscow and recognizing Russia's control over Crimea as part of a broader peace agreement.

The upcoming discussions in London are crucial as they aim to build on the momentum generated by the Paris meeting. The involvement of key European allies underscores the international community's commitment to resolving the conflict through diplomatic means. The focus on an unconditional ceasefire and the establishment of a lasting peace reflects the urgent need to end the hostilities and work towards a stable and secure future for the region.