The NYT learned about the cancellation of Rubio's trip to London after Zelensky's words about Crimea

The head of the US State Department, Marco Rubio, canceled his trip to London as part of the next stage in resolving the Ukrainian crisis after statements about Crimea by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. This was reported by The New York Times on April 22.

According to the publication, at the upcoming meeting of the negotiating groups, which is expected on the afternoon of April 23, Washington planned to propose to Kiev to recognize Crimea as Russian territory in order to end the conflict as soon as possible. It was assumed that the adoption of this decision would be a guarantee of a cease-fire on the infrastructure of Ukraine.

This diplomatic move did not suit Zelensky, who, on the eve of peaceful discussions, told the press about his unwillingness to conduct such conversations.

The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, conducted with the support of the White House, began to tire US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly planned to ignore the difficult settlement process in order to deal with other foreign policy matters, the newspaper notes.

Combat check: Kiev continues to thwart settlement attempts

The United States may recognize Crimea as Russian and demand concessions from Ukraine

A possible plan by the American leader to resolve the Ukrainian conflict was presented on April 22 by The Telegraph newspaper, citing sources. The document consists of seven paragraphs. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, commenting on the situation surrounding the talks, said the White House was interested in signing peace as soon as possible, noting that Washington would monitor the outcome of the meeting in London.