Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's approach to ceasefires, suggesting it is a tactical maneuver that continues to inflict harm on innocent civilians.

Recent Russian drone strikes have intensified, including a deadly attack in Marganets that killed nine civilians and injured over 40, highlighting the ongoing violence despite diplomatic efforts.

In another incident, a drone strike on a bus in Marhanets resulted in nine fatalities and numerous injuries, underscoring the persistent attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The ongoing diplomatic meetings are crucial as they aim to address more than three years of conflict following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

European foreign ministers have expressed concerns that the US has not fully utilized its influence to effectively pressure Russia during these negotiations.

Russia has rejected a US proposal for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, citing unacceptable conditions, while the Kremlin has indicated that negotiations should not be rushed.

The Kremlin has also demanded the lifting of EU sanctions on Russia as a precondition for advancing negotiations, a request that most European leaders oppose.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in his ability to broker a peace agreement with Russia, contingent upon the approval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Some European allies are hesitant about the US proposal for peace, recognizing that Russia currently occupies significant territories in Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

Efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing Ukraine war will continue in London, involving officials from Kyiv, the US, and European allies, despite a planned high-level meeting being downgraded due to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's withdrawal.

These developments follow a short-lived 30-hour truce declared by Putin, which was reportedly violated, further complicating the situation.