Summary

London talks aimed at securing a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia have been downgraded and will no longer include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The US state department blamed logistical reasons, but it was clear the decision was last-minute and left the Foreign Office wrongfooted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out recognising occupied Crimea as Russian territory, after reports suggested this was being considered by the US and the Kremlin. “Ukraine does not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about,” said Zelensky.

Ukraine’s ministry of strategic industries said it was “naïve” to expect Ukraine to change its position on “non-negotiable” issues such as Crimea.