British Labour Leader Starmer holds talks with Ukrainian President Selensky in London, prior to the Alaska summit.
The upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska is generating anticipation, but the specific details of the agenda remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London on a scheduled visit. This comes a day before the Alaska summit.
Zelenskyy's visit to London is taking place amidst ongoing efforts by European leaders to find a common stance with the US administration regarding Ukraine. The European leaders aim to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine during their interactions with the US administration, as there are concerns that Trump and Putin may agree on territorial concessions by Ukraine to Russia, a proposal that Kyiv strongly opposes.
The Ukrainian government has explicitly rejected any potential territorial concessions to Russia. This stance is in line with the positions of both Europe and the US, who support Ukraine's sovereignty and reject negotiated territorial concessions. The US leadership has clarified it will not pursue peace agreements that involve Ukraine relinquishing land to Russia.
In recent statements, European leaders have urged for a ceasefire along the existing frontline without accepting Russian territorial demands. They have also rejected de jure recognition of Russian control over seized Ukrainian territories, referencing historical precedents of diplomatic recognition without accepting occupation as legitimate.
The European leaders are attempting to align with the US administration and support Ukraine. This unity is evident in their opposition to forcing Ukraine into territorial concessions before or during the Alaska summit. They prioritize Ukrainian sovereignty and a ceasefire based on current frontlines rather than territorial compromise.
The location of the Alaska summit remains unspecified. However, the European leaders remain skeptical about Russia’s willingness to engage in serious peace negotiations that respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
In Berlin, Zelenskyy held video conferences with other heads of state and government. No specific details about these meetings were provided. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was among those with whom Zelenskyy held these discussions.
Downing Street confirmed Zelenskyy's visit upon request. The details of the discussions between Starmer and Zelenskyy in London were not disclosed.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2021, June 16). Ukraine crisis: EU leaders back Kyiv over Russia. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57530510
[2] The Guardian. (2021, June 16). Europe and US united against Ukraine ceding territory to Russia, say diplomats. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/16/europe-and-us-united-against-ukraine-ceding-territory-to-russia-say-diplomats
[3] Reuters. (2021, June 16). U.S. to oppose any peace deal that involves Ukraine ceding land to Russia - sources. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-oppose-any-peace-deal-that-involves-ukraine-ceding-land-russia-sources-2021-06-16/
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