LONDON – A significant meeting in London aimed at finding a resolution to Russia’s war in Ukraine has been altered after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would not attend, intensifying tensions between Washington and Kyiv over the future of Crimea, which is still under Russian occupation.
Rubio’s absence was unexpected, as he was anticipated to participate in the discussions with Ukrainian, UK, and European officials. However, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce cited “logistical issues” for his change in plans, leading to the postponement of the meeting as confirmed by London’s Foreign Office.
To fill Rubio’s void, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will now represent the US in London. This transition follows a recent meeting in Paris where officials from the US, UK, France, and Germany deliberated on a US ceasefire proposal. The proposal involves recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea, a move that contradicts a decade of US policy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated on Tuesday that while he is open to discussions with Russia, Ukraine will not accept any deal acknowledging Moscow’s control of Crimea, emphasizing that such recognition contradicts the country’s constitution.
Meanwhile, ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in heightened casualties, evidenced by a recent attack on a bus near Dnipropetrovsk region that left nine dead and around 30 wounded. As discussions continue in London, US officials express concerns over the lack of progress in brokeraging peace, with Trump stressing the need for enthusiasm from both sides to pursue negotiations further.
As efforts to reach a resolution persist, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow for continued negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While recent talks have hinted at progress and an increased willingness to engage in dialogue, significant hurdles remain unresolved in the quest for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.