Britain has significantly reduced its involvement in a high-level meeting aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine following the withdrawal of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Despite lower-level talks continuing, the drop in rank raises concerns about cease-fire negotiations. A proposed peace plan from the Trump administration requires Ukraine to accept Crimea's annexation by Russia and precludes NATO membership. President Zelensky firmly rejected these demands, citing constitutional violations. The decision to scale back was taken after conversations between Rubio and British Foreign Secretary Lammy, emphasizing the need for further technical discussions before resuming high-level talks.
The sudden downgrading of what was meant to be a significant diplomatic gathering raises questions about efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Tuesday rebuffed demands that his country accept the loss of Crimea, saying that doing so would go against its constitution.
The decision to scale back the meeting was made during a call between Mr. Rubio and Mr. Lammy, with the two men concluding that further technical talks were necessary.
After the ministers met last week in Paris, Mr. Rubio warned that if further progress was not made soon, Mr. Trump would move on to other priorities.
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