live Russia, Ukraine preparing new major prisoner exchange
Russia and Ukraine are preparing another major prisoner exchange, with officials from both sides working to fin...
Efforts to revive Ukraine peace negotiations in London encountered challenges after a high-level U.S. official cancelled his visit, highlighting differences between the United States, Ukraine, and Europe.
Officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe met in London for talks aimed at restarting the peace process regarding the conflict in Ukraine. However, the absence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led to the cancellation of a wider meeting with European foreign ministers, reflecting differing perspectives among the participants.
The meetings came amid recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated that continued U.S. involvement would depend on progress being made. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had previously presented proposals in Paris, which diplomats said included significant compromises from Ukraine.
British officials said that despite Rubio’s absence, technical discussions continued and were described as substantive. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting efforts for a just and lasting peace.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the parties involved would need to make mutual concessions for the negotiations to succeed. His comments suggested that changes in territorial control could be part of a potential resolution, though no details were confirmed officially.
Ukrainian officials expressed concerns about some elements of the proposals. Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasised that Ukraine would not engage in territorial negotiations without a full ceasefire. Kyiv reaffirmed its position on maintaining sovereignty and resisting any proposal that could lead to a prolonged or unresolved conflict.
Talks between European and Ukrainian representatives continued in parallel. British ministers met with Ukrainian officials and the U.S. envoy to discuss further steps. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, noted Ukraine’s participation in the discussions and reiterated its support for diplomatic efforts.
Key points of contention remain, including issues related to territorial integrity, the status of Crimea, and potential sanctions relief for Russia. Diplomats stated that negotiations are ongoing and no formal agreements have been reached.
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concerns over potential disruption to regional oil supplies.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. It comes as Britain and France pledged stronger military support for Ukraine.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told allied foreign ministers Washington will focus on sanctions and other pressure on Iran “for the time being”, Axios reports. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman have resumed talks on a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia and Ukraine are preparing another major prisoner exchange, with officials from both sides working to finalise lists of people who could be released, Russia's state news agency TASS said Wednesday.
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The United States has launched what it describes as its most aggressive sanctions campaign yet against Iran, expanding secondary sanctions and targeting sectors ranging from shipping and aviation to technology and finance.
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