Major Setback For Ukraine Peace Talks In UK As Trump's Top Diplomat Pulls Out

Donald Trump’s secretary of state Marco Rubio has dealt a major blow to the peace process for Ukraine by pulling out of today’s talks in London.

Senior ministers from the UK, US, France, Germany and Ukraine were meant to gather in the British capital today to discuss how to end Russia’s three-year war.

They were reportedly due to discuss America’s peace plan which suggested recognising Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea – an idea Ukraine has already rejected – and possibly freezing the frontline.

But, after America’s top diplomat announced at the last minute he would not be attending due to scheduling conflicts, the whole event has been downgraded.

France and Germany appear to have dropped their ministers’ travel plans to London.

The US will now be represented by envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, and he will meet with senior French and German officials.

British foreign secretary David Lammy will no longer be attending either, although it’s thought he will still meet with his Ukrainian counterpart while he’s in the city.

The US has put more pressure on Ukraine and Russia to agree to a ceasefire recently, as Trump tries to fulfil his election promise to resolve the war quickly.

But, as Putin continues to drag his heels looking to prolong the war, the Trump administration appears to be growing restless.

The US president warned earlier this month he might “take a pass” on brokering further peace talks if Kyiv and Moscow “make it difficult” to reach a deal.

Rubio also claimed last week he would drop the talks unless there was clear progress in the coming days.

Meanwhile the UK has been trying to lead Keir Starmer’s “coalition of the willing” made up of countries keen to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty as the US pulls closer to Russia.

Britain and France have also suggested sending in peacekeeping troops to Ukraine once a deal is struck – as long as they have a security backing from the White House.

So far, Trump’s adminstration has refused to give any such compromise.

Lammy and Rubio did speak on the phone yesterday, and the British foreign secretary claimed on X that they had a “productive call”.

He added: “The UK is working with the US, Ukraine and Europe for peace and to put an end to Putin’s illegal invasion.

“Talks continue at pace and officials will meet in London tomorrow. This is a critical moment for Ukraine, Britain and Euro-Atlantic security.”

Rubio also posted about their “productive conversation” on social media, writing: “I extended my gratitude for hosting the U.S. delegation, led by Special Presidential Envoy [Kellogg]. 

“Our team is looking forward to substantive and good technical meetings with Ukrainian and UK counterparts. I look forward to following up after the ongoing discussions in London and rescheduling my trip to the UK in the coming months.”