Ukrainian high-ranking officials revealed details of an important meeting in London that took place on April 23, which could become one of the key events in the process of seeking peace and resolving the conflict
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Yermak and Head of the Office of the President Andriy Sybiha recently shared insights into their negotiations with U.S. Special Representative Kate Kellogg, as well as with other European colleagues and officials. According to Andriy Sybiha, during the meeting in London there was a "constructive exchange of views on the path to peace." The Minister emphasized that Ukraine is actively striving for an end to the war and unified in its goal — to halt hostilities and restore peace on its territory. "Ukraine, more than anyone else in the world, seeks an end to the war. We are open to joint efforts and working towards this important goal," the head of Ukraine’s foreign policy expressed in his post on X (formerly Twitter). Meanwhile, Andriy Yermak stated that the Ukrainian delegation insisted on the need for an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire as a priority step toward the start of concrete negotiations. "We clearly stated that a ceasefire should be the first step that paves the way for a fair and lasting peace," he emphasized. Additionally, Yermak highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to defend its principled positions during any negotiation process, as they are the foundation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "We will defend our state and its interests under all circumstances and at every stage of the negotiations," the Head of the President’s Office added. Another important aspect of the talks was the coordination of future contacts. According to Yermak, agreements were reached with Kate Kellogg to "continue dialogue and maintain regular contacts to support and strengthen diplomatic efforts in this direction." It was expected that on the same day in London, negotiations would take place at the level of foreign ministers of Ukraine, the USA, France, Germany, and Great Britain. However, as reported by the UK Foreign Office, meetings involving ministers were postponed, and current plans have changed — negotiations will now be held at the level of high-ranking officials, which still allows discussing important issues related to the diplomatic agenda and future diplomatic steps. This visit and the negotiations became significant stages in the complex diplomatic work surrounding the Ukrainian conflict, Kyiv’s stance on peace initiatives, and future actions within the international coalition. At the same time, questions remain about the possible format of reaching agreements, especially concerning hidden and undisclosed details of the "peace deal," which may include not only Crimea but also other aspects of regional security and NATO security. Experts note that such high-level meetings and negotiations are strategically important for Ukraine, as they demonstrate international solidarity and support in the pursuit of stability and peace. At the same time, the process of potential settlement remains complex and multifaceted, with formal negotiations being just a part of a broader diplomatic effort that continues behind the scenes.