Europe demonstrates an unprecedented unity around Ukraine, according to Zelensky
In a significant development, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held discussions regarding security guarantees for Ukraine following their meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington.
Zelensky highlighted the progress made towards strong, reliable security guarantees as the key achievement of these discussions. He emphasised that such guarantees are essential for ensuring a peace that is both reliable and lasting. The talks also covered Ukraine’s future EU integration and cooperation between Norway and Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector.
Zelensky stated that they are actively working at all levels on the specifics and architecture of the security guarantees, especially with the United States. He mentioned the need for Ukraine to have a strong army and proposed a package of U.S. weapons valued at about $90 billion as part of these guarantees.
The discussions also included EU sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s integration steps with the European Union. Zelensky underscored that increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions is crucial until Moscow takes meaningful steps to end the war.
In summary, the talks between Zelensky and Store centred on progress on long-term, effective security guarantees for Ukraine developed with U.S. and European partners, the role of a strong Ukrainian military and U.S. weapons as part of these guarantees, enhancing EU cooperation, sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine’s EU integration path, and continued diplomatic efforts including planning meetings for potential peace negotiations involving Russia.
Zelensky and Store agreed to meet in the near future, and the conversation's topics included meetings in Washington and joint work with all partners. The conversation took place in a setting that was not specified.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to everyone who helps in securing these security guarantees, and he stated that Ukraine has defended its independence and united many nations. Prime Minister Store noted that the unity of Europe around Ukraine is indeed a historic achievement, but he did not specify what he meant by this statement.
These talks follow Zelensky’s broader diplomatic efforts in Washington and beyond to secure international support for Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.
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