International authorities advocate for the incorporation of Ukraine in negotiating sessions between Trump and Putin, planned to take place in Alaska.
In a significant development, European leaders have thrown their weight behind Ukraine's inclusion in negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. This stance, however, is largely reactive, with the leaders coordinating alongside the US and Ukraine rather than leading the process themselves.
The call for Ukraine's inclusion in talks was emphasized during a meeting held over the weekend in London between Vice President JD Vance, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Ukrainian, and European officials. The leaders stressed the importance of robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine to deter further Russian aggression. Proposals include a coalition of willing European countries, such as the UK and France, potentially stationing forces in Ukraine to enforce peace. The US, on the other hand, would provide intelligence, logistical support, and substantial air power without direct boots on the ground, complementing European involvement.
The leaders believe that an approach combining active diplomacy, support to Ukraine, and pressure on Russia can succeed. This approach is reflected in the joint statement issued on Saturday, where the leaders expressed their stance on the matter.
President Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine will not give up any land and has emphasized that Russia must end the war. He has also expressed support for Trump's efforts to leverage a peace deal, but it remains uncertain whether he will attend the meeting. Trump is scheduled to meet with Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss an end to the war.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Berlin on July 23, further underscoring the international community's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Vice President Vance described the meeting between Trump and Putin as a "major breakthrough for American diplomacy," while Zelenskyy has described Russia as responsible for starting the war and continuing to drag it out. The leaders believe that a dignified peace is necessary, and the war must be brought to an end.
Experts note that the guarantees discussed so far amount to promises of enhanced security cooperation rather than concrete commitments. Nevertheless, the united front presented by the leaders sends a strong message to all parties involved in the conflict. The goal, as stated by Vance, is to find a negotiated settlement that both Ukraine and Russia can live with.
- The coalition of European countries, such as the UK and France, are considering stationing forces in Ukraine to enforce peace as part of the robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine, according to the joint statement issued on Saturday by the leaders.
- In the macro level of politics, the leaders believe that leveraging the support from the US and Europe can put much-needed pressure on Russia to end the ongoing conflict, as shown in their approach combining active diplomacy, support to Ukraine, and pressure on Russia.
- ESG factors, including the general-news of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, are increasingly impacting credit ratings and investment decisions, as experts watch closely to see if the proposed guarantees and the negotiations lead to a peaceful resolution.
