In Kyiv, Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed firm opposition on Tuesday against any peace agreement that would involve Ukraine relinquishing territory to Russia. This statement comes on the eve of significant discussions in London involving American, European, and Ukrainian representatives. The talks are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict that erupted following Russia’s substantial incursion into Ukraine.
Recently, U.S. officials presented a proposal during discussions in Paris, which suggested permitting Russia to maintain control over certain occupied Ukrainian regions. According to a European official, who disclosed this information on the condition of anonymity, such territorial concessions may resurface in the upcoming agenda. The goal is to reach a unified strategy for ending hostilities, which could then be presented to the Russian authorities. However, Zelenskyy has categorically rejected any idea of ceding land, including the Crimean Peninsula, overtaken by Russia more than a decade ago, asserting, “There is nothing to talk about — it is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people.”
While there is some caution among European allies regarding the U.S. proposal, recognition also exists that Russia currently holds substantial influence over areas in Ukraine, such as Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. A senior French official, also speaking anonymously, mentioned that if the immediate objective is a ceasefire, it might be necessary to base it on the current line of contact. Nonetheless, the European perspective emphasizes the importance of protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and fostering closer ties with Europe.
Despite these efforts, the possibility of reaching a conclusive resolution after over three years of conflict remains uncertain. The war has continued, with Russian drones attacking the city of Odesa and glide bombs hitting Zaporizhzhia. The Kremlin reiterated its stance, cautioning that immediate breakthroughs in peace discussions are unlikely.
Representing the United States at the London talks will be Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, chosen as President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Due to a scheduling conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not be attending but is continuing to support diplomatic efforts. Trump recently stated that negotiations were intensifying, and both he and Rubio are keen on diplomacy bearing fruit before further U.S. involvement may be reconsidered. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov advised against imposing strict timelines on settlement discussions, emphasizing the complexity of reaching any viable agreements.
Zelenskyy outlined the parameters for Ukraine’s delegation attending talks in the U.K., granting them authority solely to pursue an unconditional or partial ceasefire with Russia. He stated Ukraine’s readiness to engage in discussions post-ceasefire in various formats, underscoring that credible peace talks from Russia would be discerned through tangible steps. Meanwhile, President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is anticipated to revisit Russia for further negotiations, as confirmed by Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, who offered no details. Analysts suggest Moscow is stalling, hoping to fortify battlefield advantages and extend territorial control.
The attacks on Ukrainian cities continued, with at least three individuals injured in Odesa due to Russian drone strikes, and a glide bomb attack in Zaporizhzhia resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Regional governor Ivan Fedorov reported damage to civilian infrastructure and significant casualties.
Despite ongoing aggression, Zelenskyy reaffirmed via Telegram that Ukraine’s offer for a ceasefire around civilian sites remains open but insists Russia must show genuine willingness to negotiate. There are no hindrances from Ukraine’s side, he emphasized. However, Kremlin spokesman Peskov indicated that no talks on this proposal are currently planned but suggested that defining terms on civilian infrastructure will need careful negotiation, given the military utility of certain sites.
Russia has resumed using Shahed drones overnight, unleashing a blitz of attacks across Ukraine. These incidents mark an intensification of warfare tactics, as observed by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Despite a previously declared unilateral ceasefire by Russia, Ukraine claimed that Russian forces breached it extensively. Meanwhile, both countries are preparing for escalated military actions as the spring-summer campaign looms.