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The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Ukraine peace talks crumble

Apr 24, 2025
Rachel Cunliffe, a writer at New Statesman, delves into the recent breakdown of peace talks in Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of US-Russia negotiations and the challenges they face. The discussion moves to the rising popularity of Reform UK, as it gains traction ahead of local elections, posing a significant threat to traditional party dominance. Cunliffe analyzes the political landscape, touching on the controversies surrounding candidate vetting and Labour's struggles to maintain voter support in key regions.
24:13

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Quick takeaways

  • The breakdown of peace talks in Ukraine emphasizes the complications of U.S. negotiations with Russia, impacting unified support for Ukraine.
  • The Reform Party's rising popularity underscores a shifting political landscape, challenging both Labour and Conservatives ahead of local elections.

Deep dives

Breakdown of Peace Talks in Ukraine

Recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war reveal a significant breakdown in prospective peace talks, highlighted by a failed London peace conference. Initially touted as a critical meeting involving key U.S. and European officials, it ultimately fell apart, with notable absences from essential figures like Marco Rubio and Steve Vitkoff. This situation reflects a broader reality in which the U.S. has been pursuing separate negotiations with Russia, leading to a lack of unified support for Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities. The Ukrainian government faces constitutional challenges regarding any concessions, further complicating the possibility of peace.

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