Respect for the “territorial integrity of Ukraine and its European orientation are very strong European demands,” the French presidency announced today, following an ultimatum from US Vice President Jay Di Vance for “territorial exchanges” between Kiev and Moscow in order to reach a ceasefire agreement.

As French, British, and German officials meet with US and Ukrainian officials in London as part of ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, “the goal remains to build a common approach that the US could present to the Russians,” Elise said.

From Agra, India, Vance said today that Moscow and Kiev must reach an agreement or Washington will halt efforts to implement a cease-fire.

On the British side, a Downing Street spokesman said it was “up to Ukraine to decide its future”. “We support US-led efforts to bring a permanent end to the war. I think that’s what we all want. In the end, it is up to Ukraine to decide its future,” the spokesman said.