London is once again the diplomatic stage for high-stakes negotiations, as Ukraine’s international allies convene for the latest round of peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to host the meeting, with delegations arriving from the United States, Europe, and Ukraine itself.
The gathering, held on Wednesday, comes amid renewed efforts from the Trump administration in Washington to bring about a negotiated settlement to the conflict. US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism, saying he hopes a deal “will be made this week”. However, there are growing concerns that the terms being brokered could come at a significant cost to Ukraine.
According to a report from the Financial Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he would be willing to halt his military advances if Ukraine concedes to the current front lines. The proposal, allegedly supported by US intermediaries, also includes provisions for Moscow to retain control over occupied Ukrainian territories and formal recognition of Russia’s claim to Crimea—annexed in 2014.
Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, is leading the American delegation in London. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is notably absent due to a scheduling conflict, while another key negotiator, Steve Witkoff, is returning to Moscow for further dialogue with Kremlin officials.
The prospect of Kyiv being forced to accept territorial losses has sparked debate among Western allies. British Defence Secretary John Healey addressed Parliament on Tuesday, affirming that the London talks would explore “next steps”, including the framework of a possible ceasefire and measures to ensure lasting peace.
However, Mr Healey sharply criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims of good faith. “While Putin says he declared an Easter truce, he broke it. While he says he wants peace, he refuses a full ceasefire. And while he claims to seek an end to fighting, he continues to play for time,” Healey told MPs. British military intelligence has found “no evidence” that Russian forces paused their operations during Easter, contrary to Russian statements.
Despite the grim backdrop, Healey did offer a glimmer of hope. He confirmed that Russian military advances have been slowing significantly, with less territory gained month-on-month since January. “The Ukrainian resistance, bolstered by allied training and support, continues to hold the line,” he added.
On the diplomatic front, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a military training base in south west England on Tuesday. The visit showcased the joint efforts of allied nations in preparing Ukrainian soldiers for the battlefield and marked an opportunity for the UK and New Zealand to reaffirm their defence cooperation.
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Sir Keir also held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this week, outlining the next phase of the so-called “coalition of the willing”—a peacekeeping initiative proposed to safeguard any post-war settlement. The coalition, still in its early stages, is being shaped as a stabilising force should negotiations result in a formal agreement.
With the stakes higher than ever, eyes are now fixed on the discussions unfolding in London. The outcome of this week’s summit could help shape the next chapter of the war—or leave Ukraine facing a future where peace comes with painful compromises.
As diplomatic channels remain open, the world watches closely, hopeful for a breakthrough, wary of the price it might demand.
