Presidential Office reveals first results of London talks
Photo: A meeting on peace in Ukraine was held in London (president.gov.ua)
Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany held an important meeting in London focused on achieving peace with Russia. Notably, US representatives were likely absent, according to Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Who attended
According to Yermak, the Ukrainian delegation included:
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himself, as Head of the Presidential Office;
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Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha;
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Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
From the UK, National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell took part in the talks. France was represented by Emmanuel Bonne, adviser to President Emmanuel Macron.
Germany was represented by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s adviser on foreign and security policy, Jens Plötner.
Photo: Ukraine meeting in London (t.me/ermaka2022)
The meeting took place at the official residence of the UK Foreign Office, at the invitation of Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Yermak did not mention any US participants, and they were not present in the group photos.
What was discussed
Yermak noted this was the second meeting in this format, following a similar gathering in Paris last week.
"Today, we continued a deep dialogue aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We emphasized our commitment to the peace efforts of the US President," he said.
He added that Ukraine is grateful to its partners for their strong support and common determination to end the war as soon as possible. However, Russia continues to reject an unconditional ceasefire, dragging out the process and attempting to manipulate the negotiations.
"But the unity of our international partners leaves it with no chance," Yermak added.
He confirmed that all sides agreed to continue regular consultations to achieve a just peace in Ukraine.
UK’s summary of the meeting
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that high-level talks on Ukraine were held in London today.
"We are working at pace with US, Ukraine and European allies to end the war and secure a just and lasting peace, with senior official talks in London today," he stated.
He also added that the meeting, which included UK Defence Secretary John Healey, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, was "valuable".
Participation of the United States
On April 22, it was reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, would not attend the London meeting.
According to Western media, the US was displeased with Ukraine’s rejection of its proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory.
However, as US Secretary of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce noted, the United States was to be represented at the talks by Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
