U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend the London talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, despite earlier plans to travel. The State Department confirmed the change, citing scheduling logistics rather than a shift in diplomatic priorities. President Donald Trump’s envoy, General Keith Kellogg, will represent the U.S. at the talks.
Rubio announced on X that he had spoken with his British counterpart and would reschedule his trip to the UK in the coming months. "I look forward to following up after the ongoing discussions," he posted.
The talks proceed amid growing pressure from the Trump administration for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump recently stated he hopes Moscow and Kyiv reach a deal this week, emphasizing the urgency to resolve a war that has killed tens of thousands and heightened fears of U.S.-Russia confrontation.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stressed that Rubio's absence does not diminish the meeting’s importance. “General Kellogg is there and will conduct the necessary discussions,” she said. Bruce had earlier suggested the meetings were a key diplomatic opportunity, calling London "a good open door."
Trump’s foreign policy has taken a different course since his return to office in January. He has urged Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire while easing sanctions and measures imposed by the previous Biden administration against Russia’s 2022 invasion.
European allies remain cautious, questioning Trump’s conciliatory stance toward Moscow and his ability to secure a meaningful peace agreement. With U.S. officials signaling impatience, warning that Washington could step back from peace efforts if progress stalls, the outcome of the London talks could prove critical to the future of the conflict.