Progress in London Talks as Ukraine, U.S., and European Allies Seek Ceasefire Path

Talks between a Ukrainian delegation and officials from the United States, France, and Germany held in London on Wednesday made “significant progress” toward a common position, according to the British Foreign Office. “The talks today were productive and successful, and significant progress was made on reaching a common position on next steps,” a spokesperson for Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement. “All agreed to continue their close coordination and looked forward to further talks soon,” the statement added.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the Ukrainian delegation had productive talks with U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg in London, discussing Ukraine’s consistent position regarding a ceasefire and security guarantees. Kellogg also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, and described the talks as positive.

However, the planned negotiations were downgraded after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio abruptly cancelled his trip to Britain, highlighting gaps between the United States and its European allies over how to end the conflict. Earlier, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated it was time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to a U.S. peace proposal or for the United States to step away from the process. The proposal involves freezing territorial lines close to current positions and pursuing a long-term diplomatic settlement aimed at lasting peace.