According to information from The New York Times, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to skip the next stage of ceasefire talks in London regarding Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky rejected one of President Trump's key proposals for an agreement, stating that Ukraine will not recognize the occupation of Crimea.
The State Department attempted to downplay Rubio's decision to skip the meeting in London. "This is not a statement about the meeting. It's a statement about logistical issues in his schedule," said spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Last week, Rubio participated in a meeting on Ukraine in Paris, but afterward warned that Trump is becoming increasingly impatient with the peace process and may move on to "other priorities." According to two European officials, during the meeting in Paris, negotiators were briefed on the main points of the ceasefire agreement proposed by the Trump administration, which includes a demand to recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia and excludes Ukraine's membership in NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Tuesday that he is open to negotiations with Russia after a ceasefire, but Ukraine will not agree to any deal that recognizes Moscow's legitimate control over Crimea. "Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to discuss here. It contradicts our Constitution," he stated at a press conference.
In addition to Rubio, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff will also not participate in the meeting in London, reports Financial Times. It was previously planned that he would fly to Moscow after the meeting in London.
At the moment, the presence of Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, is still planned for the talks.
According to Sky News, after Rubio's visit to London was canceled, Paris and Berlin recalled their foreign ministers. The meetings will be held at the level of ministry officials. From Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will come to London, where he will hold a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart David Lammy.