European leaders are also absent from the discussions and will instead convene in Paris under the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron. This summit is seen as a response to concerns about being sidelined from critical negotiations. The backdrop to these events includes a significant diplomatic shift in Washington's approach to Ukraine following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking an end to a three-year communication freeze.
Although the US is set to engage in talks with Russian representatives, Kellogg emphasized that discussions with Ukrainian officials are ongoing. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding Kyiv's participation raises tensions, especially given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's firm stance against any peace negotiations that exclude his government. He has reiterated his determination to reject any agreements made without direct Ukrainian involvement.
As these diplomatic efforts unfold, European leaders are preparing for their informal meeting, while Zelensky has called for the necessity of a European defense force, underscoring a growing concern over the reliability of US support amid shifting strategies. The continuing conflict has already strained energy supplies in cities like Mykolaiv, where recent attacks have left thousands without essential services.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community watches closely to see whether these talks will lead to a meaningful resolution or further entrench the divisions between Moscow and Kyiv in their protracted conflict.
Although the US is set to engage in talks with Russian representatives, Kellogg emphasized that discussions with Ukrainian officials are ongoing. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding Kyiv's participation raises tensions, especially given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's firm stance against any peace negotiations that exclude his government. He has reiterated his determination to reject any agreements made without direct Ukrainian involvement.
As these diplomatic efforts unfold, European leaders are preparing for their informal meeting, while Zelensky has called for the necessity of a European defense force, underscoring a growing concern over the reliability of US support amid shifting strategies. The continuing conflict has already strained energy supplies in cities like Mykolaiv, where recent attacks have left thousands without essential services.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community watches closely to see whether these talks will lead to a meaningful resolution or further entrench the divisions between Moscow and Kyiv in their protracted conflict.
