European nations reaffirm their support for Ukraine as discussions for peace with Russia intensify, underlining that any negotiations must involve President Zelensky to ensure a fair resolution.
Allies Insist Ukraine Must Be Included in Any Peace Talks with Russia
Allies Insist Ukraine Must Be Included in Any Peace Talks with Russia
European leaders stress the necessity of including Kyiv in negotiations ahead of a significant summit between the US and Russia.
European allies are united in a call for Ukraine's inclusion in peace talks with Russia, as ongoing diplomatic efforts heighten ahead of an anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. A joint statement released by leaders from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission emphasizes that no agreements should be reached without Kyiv's involvement.
Zelensky has firmly rejected any arrangement that bypasses Ukraine, terming such outcomes as "dead decisions." While Trump has suggested the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Zelensky, initial plans still centered on a direct Trump-Putin dialogue. Discussions about potential territory exchanges were met with stern resistance from Zelensky, who articulated that rewarding Russia for its actions is unacceptable.
Reports from CBS indicate that the US administration is seeking to persuade European allies to consider an agreement that could allow Russia to secure the Donbas region and maintain control over Crimea. In their statement, European leaders reiterated the importance of respecting international borders and underscored Ukraine's right to self-determination.
European leaders are increasingly anxious about their limited influence over the negotiations, as addressed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who insisted that European security is intrinsically linked to the conflict's resolution. Zelensky expressed gratitude to his allies for their steadfast support in pursuit of a peaceful conclusion that acknowledges Ukraine's vital interests.
During a recent meeting in the UK, US Vice-President JD Vance also recognized the essential role of Ukraine at the negotiation table, with Zelensky’s chief aide stressing that true peace can only exist with Ukraine's active participation. The upcoming summit marks a significant moment as it will be the first direct meeting between current US and Russian leaders since prior discussions took place in 2021, coinciding with ongoing hostilities that began over three years ago.
Zelensky and Putin last convened in 2019, highlighting the long-standing geopolitical tensions that have characterized the region. As February approaches, the prospect for a peaceful resolution remains fraught with challenges, amid continued military confrontations and Moscow's unresolved ambitions in Ukraine's eastern territories.
