2025-05-12T12:42:19Z

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated in a significant ministerial meeting held in London on May 12, where he joined his counterparts from key Western nations and the European Union via video link. This gathering included representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the EU, as noted by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. The stakes were high as discussions centered around coordinating peace efforts and enhancing collaboration with the United States.

Following the meeting, Sybiha expressed his gratitude to U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy for organizing this 'effective and regular format' of dialogue among allies. He emphasized the critical nature of the current week, stating, 'This week will be decisive for peace and accountability.' In a pivotal update, Sybiha relayed frontline intelligence from Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, highlighting that Russian forces have systematically violated the proposed ceasefire that was set to take effect on May 12, continuing their aggressive assaults on Ukrainian positions along the front lines.

Over the last 24 hours alone, these Russian attacks have resulted in injuries to at least 22 individuals in Ukraine, including seven people who sustained injuries from drone strikes overnight on May 12—the very day when a 30-day unconditional truce was supposed to commence. Sybiha voiced his frustration, stating, 'Moscow is once again missing a chance to end the killing,' underscoring the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities.

Moreover, he noted that President Volodymyr Zelensky remains open to a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing this encounter for May 15. This meeting follows Putin's invitation for Ukraine to resume negotiations in Turkey on the same date. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that Russia seeks to base these discussions on the framework established during the 2022 Istanbul talks and the prevailing situation on the battlefield.

In a further display of diplomatic readiness, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to a complete and unconditional ceasefire starting May 12, yet the Kremlin has yet to respond to this overture for a direct meeting between the two leaders.

During discussions with allies, Sybiha also raised the prospect of implementing tougher sanctions aimed at Russia's banking sector, central bank, and energy industry. He stressed the importance of these measures, stating, 'Putin must understand the cost of rejecting peace and choosing war.' Germany has already set a deadline, giving Russia until the end of May 12 to agree to the ceasefire. Should Russia fail to comply, Germany has warned that preparations for further sanctions will be initiated.

In a collaborative effort, the Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pawel Wronski announced that ministers from the 'Weimar Plus' group—which includes France, Germany, Poland, and the U.K.—will engage in a joint call on May 12 with their counterparts from the United States and Turkey. The aim of this call is to discuss the organization of potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the international community to facilitate dialogue and bring an end to the conflict.