European leaders and Kiev officials propose a unique plan for negotiations between Putin and Trump
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Europe has taken a strong stance, setting a clear red line for negotiations with Russia. This common position, shared by European countries and Ukraine, aims to ensure a durable ceasefire before any territorial negotiations or land swaps, and to protect Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.
The disappointment was palpable when Russian President Vladimir Putin managed to evade the punitive measures planned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which could have significantly damaged Russia's military economy and curtailed its ability to escalate its invasion of Ukraine. According to an anonymous high-ranking assistant to a European leader, this was a missed opportunity for Trump to exert pressure on Putin.
Despite this setback, Europe remains resolute. A high-ranking European official has confirmed that Europe will continue to provide Ukraine with weapons and aid, regardless of what happens in Washington. This support is crucial, as any agreement reached by Trump and Putin in their upcoming meeting in Alaska will hold little value without the participation of European leaders, according to another high-ranking European official.
The European goal in resolving the war in Ukraine is to establish a common red line with Ukraine. This line is based on a durable ceasefire, the rejection of any concessions of Ukrainian land to Russia, particularly Donbas and other contested regions, and the insistence that Ukraine's future cannot be decided without Ukraine's direct participation in negotiations.
The European plan, developed and presented to the American side by the main assistants of European leaders, also stipulates that any territorial concessions by Kyiv must be backed by ironclad security guarantees, including potential Ukraine membership in NATO. This proposal serves as a basis for future talks between President Trump and the Russian dictator to gain momentum.
Notably, the European side has rejected Russia's proposal to exchange Ukrainian-controlled parts of the Donetsk region for a ceasefire. The European proposal also insists that territory exchange can only occur on a mutual basis. Furthermore, the proposal requires a ceasefire before any other steps.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President, was shocked by Putin's plan and was not invited to the Alaska meeting. European governments, including those of the UK, Germany, and France, are part of the response to the peace proposal that emerged after Putin's meeting with U.S. special envoy Steve Biegun. During the meeting with Vice President Jay Dee Vance, European officials once again emphasized that Ukraine's future cannot be discussed without Ukraine.
According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the future of Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukrainians who have been fighting for their freedom and security for over three years. This sentiment is shared by many Europeans, who view the conflict as not only a threat to Ukraine's sovereignty but also to Europe's security.
As the negotiations continue, it is clear that Europe will play a significant role in shaping the outcome. Europeans will also be part of the solution, as stated by President Macron, ensuring that the common red line is upheld and Ukraine's territorial integrity is protected.
[1] Charter-97.org [2] The Guardian [4] Reuters
- Europe's policy-and-legislation towards war-and-conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine, includes a hardline stance, setting a common red line for negotiations with Russia, focusing on a durable ceasefire before any territorial negotiations or land swaps, and protecting Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.
- In the realm of general-news and politics, Europe's role is not limited to providing weapons and aid to Ukraine, but also extends to shaping the outcome of negotiations with Russia, ensuring that the common red line with Ukraine is upheld and Ukraine's territorial integrity is protected.
