A major meeting in London aimed at bringing about an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine has been downgraded after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would skip the summit, escalating a clash between Washington and Kyiv over the future of Russian-occupied territory.

Talks between the U.S., Ukraine and European officials to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine faltered as Secretary of State Marco Rubio abruptly cancelled his trip to London.

By Elizabeth Piper, John Irish and Daphne PsaledakisLONDON/PARIS (Reuters) - Talks between the U.S., Ukraine and European officials to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine faltered on Wednesday as U.