UPDATE 2 - Ukraine urges full ceasefire as starting point in London peace talks

UPDATES WITH STATEMENTS FROM YERMAK ON MEETING WITH US ENVOY AND EUROPEAN ADVISORS, CHANGE IN HEADLINE, DECK

By Ahmet Gencturk and Alperen Aktas

ATHENS / ISTANBUL (AA) - Peace talks on Ukraine continued in London on Wednesday, with Ukrainian officials underscoring that negotiations must begin with “an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire” to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Following a meeting with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Gen. Keith Kellogg, head of the Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak said Kyiv made its position clear.

“We conveyed our position and emphasized that an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step toward initiating negotiations,” Yermak wrote on X. “We expressed hope that this aligns with President Trump’s vision.”

He added that Ukraine will “stand firm on its core principles,” including sovereignty and territorial integrity, in any negotiations.

The Ukrainian delegation, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Yermak, also held multilateral talks with national security and foreign policy advisors from the UK, France, and Germany at the invitation of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

“This is the second such meeting — the previous one was held in Paris,” Yermak said in an earlier statement. “We emphasized that we are committed to the peace efforts of US President Donald Trump.”

He accused Russia of obstructing the process. “Russia continues to refuse an unconditional ceasefire, dragging out the process and trying to manipulate the negotiations. But international unity and the clear position of our partners leave it no chance,” he added.

The Ukrainian side said further consultations would follow to coordinate international support.

Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that the delegation’s first meeting included UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey, alongside Umerov.

“We are grateful to the UK for its leadership and support. We will discuss ways to strengthen Ukraine and guarantee long-term peace and security,” he added.

A US-backed peace proposal expected to dominate the talks reportedly includes possible recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and restrictions on Ukraine’s NATO membership — terms Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected on Tuesday.

UK Foreign Secretary Lammy said on X that he had a “productive call” with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“The UK is working with the US, Ukraine, and Europe for peace and to put an end to Putin’s illegal invasion,” Lammy wrote. “Talks continue at pace, and officials will meet in London tomorrow. This is a critical moment for Ukraine, Britain, and Euro-Atlantic security.”

Rubio also commented on X, saying he had a “productive conversation” with Lammy.

“Our team is looking forward to substantive and good technical meetings with Ukrainian and UK counterparts. I look forward to following up after the ongoing discussions in London and rescheduling my trip to the UK in the coming months.”