European leaders drafting assurances for Kyiv: Exclusion of American soldiers
In a historic meeting in Washington, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with European leaders, discussed potential security guarantees for Ukraine to help protect the country against further Russian attacks.
Trump suggested that some European states might contribute to Ukraine's protection, a notion that has been met with varying responses from European leaders. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the details of Germany's contribution are yet to be determined, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of the whole of Europe participating in providing security guarantees.
France's President Emmanuel Macron warned against rushing into a peace treaty without solid guarantees, echoing the sentiment that security guarantees against further Russian attacks are seen as a prerequisite for Ukraine to make concessions in negotiations.
The discussions revolve around Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which stipulates mutual defense, as a potential model for security guarantees for Ukraine. However, Russia has so far rejected the stationing of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine.
In a conversation with US broadcaster Fox News, Trump suggested that Germany, France, and the UK are ready to send soldiers to Ukraine to secure a possible peace. The British Prime Minister Starmer and EU Council President Costa have announced plans for a meeting between representatives of the Coalition of the Willing and their US partners to discuss these matters further.
Trump agreed to support security guarantees but did not provide specific details after the meeting in Washington. Zelenskyy, on the other hand, has not insisted on a ceasefire before a meeting with Putin, stating that they should meet without any preconditions.
There is disagreement over the need for an immediate ceasefire as a precondition for peace talks. Trump has dropped this demand, while Chancellor Merz continues to insist on it. Despite this disagreement, the discussions are expected to focus on preparations for the deployment of peacekeeping troops in case of a ceasefire, and are expected to take place in the coming days.
Moscow's initial public reaction to the potential Zelenskyy-Putin meeting was muted, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that all contacts involving heads of state must be prepared with utmost care.
The German government hailed the Ukraine summit in Washington as a historic meeting, with Trump now largely aligning himself with the position of the Europeans on the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine. The discussions continue as the international community seeks a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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