# Art of a deal: how UK and France led dogged effort to repair US-Ukraine ties – for now

## Overview

Over 11 days of breakneck diplomacy, Kyiv was convinced of need to pacify Trump, but reconciliation may be all too brief

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## Key Takeaways

- The 11-day talks between British and French officials were led to repair relations and repair Ukraine's security guarantees.
- The talks were facilitated by the Lancaster House summit, held 2 March, but the ball was in Russia's court.
- Trump's reaction to the talks was characterized by a mix of nostalgia and frustration, while Europe was focused on bolstering European defense spending.

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## British diplomacies and Diplomat

- **British Ambassador in Washington, Peter Mandelson**, suggested Ukraine should be the first to commit to a ceasefire without security guarantees.
- **President Macron**, for the first time laid out the strategic thinking: "Such a truce on air, sea and energy infrastructure would allow us to determine whether Vladimir Putin's attitude would be sincere."

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## American Diplomacy and Diplomat

- **U.S. Ambassador, Adm Sir Tony Radakin**, stressed the importance of Ukraine's commitment and said it was impossible to sustain a ceasefire on land alone.
- **U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of State, Mike Waltz**, said: "The other side is not exactly in love with him either. So it’s not a question of alignment."

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## Conclusion

The world is going to find out if the American president has assessed Putin and Russia's intentions correctly.
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