EU and Zelenskyy urge Trump to involve Ukraine in negotiations with Putin, aiming for a final ceasefire agreement
In a significant development, European and U.S. leaders have emphasized the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any negotiations with Russia, as well as the need for strong security guarantees for Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined five feasible objectives for a lasting and fair ceasefire agreement:
- An immediate ceasefire to halt the fighting and create space for negotiations and humanitarian relief.
- A trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. to negotiate and potentially secure the ceasefire and future peace talks.
- Strong security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future aggression, rather than concessions or territorial compromises.
- Pressure on Russia to demonstrate the seriousness of the ceasefire and peace efforts.
- A peace framework based on justice and lasting security, avoiding free concessions to Russia and ensuring that peace is durable and fair.
These objectives aim to balance the cessation of hostilities with the broader security and sovereignty concerns of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that if Kiev makes territorial concessions to Russia, it must receive security guarantees from its allies. Macron also stated that Trump considers Ukraine should be present in any territorial negotiations with Russia as part of a potential ceasefire.
U.S. President Trump reiterated his goal of "bringing peace to Europe" and guaranteed that only Zelenski would negotiate any territorial concessions of his country to Russia. However, Trump did not specify whether Ukraine would have an active role in resolving the conflict beyond territorial negotiations with Russia.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have conveyed to Trump that negotiations with Putin must involve Ukraine and culminate in a ceasefire. The European Union has reiterated its support for Ukraine before the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance reiterated that former President Trump's goal was to "bring peace to Europe". Trump also stated that if his meeting with Putin goes well, he would like to have a second meeting with Putin and Zelenski, and potentially be present if they wish for him to do so.
Ukraine's sovereignty is beyond question, according to Friedrich Merz. Ukrainian President Zelenski stated that Putin's goal is to annex occupied territories, describing his claim to be able to conquer all of Ukraine as "a bluff". The Coalition of volunteers, a group of countries that meet periodically to discuss support for Ukraine, expressed its willingness to "play an active role, even through the deployment of a peacekeeping force" in Ukraine once hostilities cease.
In summary, European and U.S. leaders are unified in their determination to end the war against Ukraine, stressing the importance of Ukraine's role in negotiations and the need for strong security guarantees. The ball is now in Russia's court to demonstrate its commitment to peace and justice.
The average European and U.S. leader is advocating for Ukraine's active participation in peace talks related to war-and-conflicts with Russia, reflecting the general-news focus on maintaining Ukraine's sovereignty and securing strong safety guarantees. These negotiations are intended to result in a fair and lasting ceasefire agreement, adhering to a framework based on justice and lasting security.
