Tensions escalate as US, Ukraine, and Russia navigate complex diplomacy with little clarity on path to peace.
**US Vice-President Vance Threatens Withdrawal from Ukraine-Russia Talks Amid Ceasefire Push**
**US Vice-President Vance Threatens Withdrawal from Ukraine-Russia Talks Amid Ceasefire Push**
As negotiations continue, US warns it may exit process unless agreement is reached.
US Vice-President JD Vance issued a stark warning that the United States will "walk away" from diplomatic discussions unless Ukraine and Russia come to an agreement. This statement reflects a growing impatience among US officials towards the protracted negotiations after a recent meeting in London involving representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Ukraine, and the US ultimately led to lower expectations for a ceasefire. With key figures, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff abstaining from the talks, the focus now shifts to Moscow where Witkoff is scheduled to meet President Vladimir Putin for the fourth time.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent necessity for an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire," underscoring the catastrophic consequences of continued violence. Vance, speaking from India, relayed that the US had presented a "very explicit proposal" to both parties, urging them to either accept it or risk the US retracting its involvement. Former US envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, took part in talks in London, designated to establish baseline technical discussions, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy held a bilateral meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart.
Speculation is growing regarding Russia's potential concession to halt its military advances along current front lines in return for significant trade-offs. However, the parameters of such discussions remain opaque. Vance remarked on the urgency to achieve a definitive step towards halting hostilities while acknowledging the need for sacrifices from both Russia and Ukraine regarding territorial claims.
Zelensky remains firm in rejecting any recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, disputing reports that such a recognition is under consideration in ongoing negotiations. In a grave context, Russian forces reportedly escalated their assaults in various regions of Ukraine, resulting in further casualties. Ukrainian officials also confirmed infrastructure damage from these attacks.
As the diplomatic front faces uncertainty, the UK Foreign Office noted postponements to further ministerial talks, highlighting the logistical challenges encountered by US officials, with Rubio pledging to revisit discussions in the coming months. Meanwhile, speculation percolates regarding Russia's earlier claims about a potential ceasefire, which have reportedly not diminished the intensity of their military actions as the war’s toll continues to mount, having an impact on millions displaced since the conflict’s inception in February 2022.
Experts suggest diplomatic solutions are fraught with complications, particularly regarding non-negotiable issues, as Ukraine remains steadfast in its stance on sovereignty.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent necessity for an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire," underscoring the catastrophic consequences of continued violence. Vance, speaking from India, relayed that the US had presented a "very explicit proposal" to both parties, urging them to either accept it or risk the US retracting its involvement. Former US envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, took part in talks in London, designated to establish baseline technical discussions, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy held a bilateral meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart.
Speculation is growing regarding Russia's potential concession to halt its military advances along current front lines in return for significant trade-offs. However, the parameters of such discussions remain opaque. Vance remarked on the urgency to achieve a definitive step towards halting hostilities while acknowledging the need for sacrifices from both Russia and Ukraine regarding territorial claims.
Zelensky remains firm in rejecting any recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, disputing reports that such a recognition is under consideration in ongoing negotiations. In a grave context, Russian forces reportedly escalated their assaults in various regions of Ukraine, resulting in further casualties. Ukrainian officials also confirmed infrastructure damage from these attacks.
As the diplomatic front faces uncertainty, the UK Foreign Office noted postponements to further ministerial talks, highlighting the logistical challenges encountered by US officials, with Rubio pledging to revisit discussions in the coming months. Meanwhile, speculation percolates regarding Russia's earlier claims about a potential ceasefire, which have reportedly not diminished the intensity of their military actions as the war’s toll continues to mount, having an impact on millions displaced since the conflict’s inception in February 2022.
Experts suggest diplomatic solutions are fraught with complications, particularly regarding non-negotiable issues, as Ukraine remains steadfast in its stance on sovereignty.
