Plans for a key diplomatic summit in London aimed at pushing forward a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia were thrown into disarray after the United States pulled out at the last moment.
The meeting, which was expected to gather foreign ministers from major Western nations, was downgraded to a lower-level dialogue after top envoys withdrew.
The US decision came after Ukraine firmly rejected a proposal that would allow Russia to keep control over territory it has seized during the war. The offer, backed by Washington, included the possibility of a ceasefire if Ukraine accepted current front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with a firm refusal, insisting that Ukraine would not cede any part of its land.
The absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, citing scheduling conflicts, prompted France and Germany to cancel their planned attendance. This left the UK to host junior diplomats rather than the senior officials who were originally scheduled to lead the discussion.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is still expected in London, where he will hold direct talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. However, the broader summit’s collapse marks a blow to diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict.
The proposed US-backed deal has sparked tensions among Ukraine’s allies, with some pushing for a swift resolution while others support Ukraine’s demand for full territorial integrity. The development underscores deep divisions over how to bring the war to a close as fighting continues and peace remains distant.
Despite the setback, London officials say talks among junior diplomats will continue, though expectations for any major breakthrough have faded. The breakdown highlights the challenges of navigating both military realities and political pressures in the search for a settlement to the ongoing war.