Zelensky's London summit: Talks heat up amid U.S. criticism

• Talks in London: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the meeting in London was marked by emotions. Representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the USA participated in the discussions.
• Criticism from the USA: Zelensky addressed American criticism of his statement about Crimea, emphasizing that recognizing Russian control over the peninsula would contradict Ukraine's constitution.
• Donald Trump once again attacked Zelensky on social media.

The Ukrainian delegation met on Wednesday in London with representatives from the USA, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to discuss a cease-fire in the war with Russia. Contrary to initial announcements, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not participate in the meetings.

"Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer," Zelensky wrote after the meeting on the social media platform X. He emphasized that "it’s important that each side was not just a participant but contributed meaningfully. The American side shared its vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their input."

The United States was represented in London by President Donald Trump's envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. The Ukrainian delegation was led by the head of the office of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Andrii Yermak, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine "will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decision."

In a veiled reference, the President of Ukraine addressed U.S. criticism concerning his statement about Crimea, noting that recognizing Russian control over the peninsula would contradict Ukraine's constitution.

Meanwhile, Trump once again attacked Zelensky on social media, asserting that excluding legal recognition of the annexation of Crimea is "very harmful" for negotiations with Russia.

"It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country," Trump wrote.

He also assessed that he is "very close to a Deal" and urged Zelensky to "finally get it done." "I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President," the President of the USA stated.

Let's recall that earlier this week, American media, including Axios and the "Wall Street Journal," reported that the United States expects a response from Ukraine on Wednesday to the framework peace proposal, which includes unofficial recognition of Russian control over almost all occupied areas, including Crimea.