"Discussions have been delayed and obstructed by Putin, asserted the UK foreign secretary in conversation with Vance."
In a heart-to-heart chat, U.K.'s Foreign Secretary David Lammy sat down with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on May 2, delving into the heated issue of Russia's prolonged conflict against Ukraine.
In an escalating attempt to put an end to the bloodshed, the U.S. is contemplating a step back from its mediator role. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, during a briefing on May 1, expressed, "We're not going to jet-set around the globe at the snap of a finger... that's now in the hands of the combatants themselves."
Lammy spoke out against Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of stalling and sabotaging negotiations to end Russia's relentless assault on Ukraine. He growled, "Putin's prolonged stalling tactics have worn out their welcome. The global community is running out of patience."
Both the U.S. and the U.K. stand firm on their commitment to put an end to Russia's ruthless invasion of Ukraine. On April 23, key figures from the two nations gathered in London for discussions on achieving a peaceful resolution.
At the meeting, Lammy declared, "Our shared aim is to put a stop to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, and our efforts are focused on securing a lasting peace."
During the London meet, Lammy conferenced with U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey, as well as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Sybiha, expressing gratitude for the U.K.'s leadership and support, stated, "We will explore methods to bolster Ukraine and ensure long-term peace and security."
Despite signs of reluctance, the Kremlin appears reluctant to move forward with a peace deal with Ukraine. In the ceasefire talks brokered by the U.S., Russian authorities have laid down *maximalist demands*.
Sources familiar with the talks reported that Putin is insistent on any agreement to halt Russia's brutal campaign against Ukraine must include Russian control over the four Ukrainian oblasts Moscow only partially occupies: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. These territories were annexed by Russia in 2022, a move that remains unrecognized by most of the international community.
Moreover, Putin is demanding Ukraine adopt a state of neutrality, forgo any plans to join NATO, abandon any aspirations to develop nuclear weapons, as well as respect the rights of Russian-speakers in Ukraine. He is also seeking the lifting of sanctions imposed against Russia and the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine.
These intransigent demands by Russia have been met with resistance from Ukraine and its allies, resulting in complexities in negotiations.
- In the ceasefire talks brokered by the U.S., Russian authorities have presented maximalist demands, including control over the four Ukrainian oblasts Moscow only partially occupies: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, annexed by Russia in 2022.
- Putin is also demanding Ukraine adopt a state of neutrality, forgo any plans to join NATO, abandon aspirations to develop nuclear weapons, respect the rights of Russian-speakers in Ukraine, and seek the lifting of sanctions imposed against Russia, as well as the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.
- These intransigent demands by Russia have been met with resistance from Ukraine and its allies, causing complexities in negotiations.
- Lammy, in the London meeting, reaffirmed the U.K.'s and general news community's stance against Putin's demands, focusing on securing a lasting peace and end to the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine.
