Potential Trump-Putin accord devoid of Ukraine raising concerns across Europe
In the ongoing standoff between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, a potential agreement between the US President and the Russian leader could cause tension with Kyiv and European partners. The Ukrainian authorities have no intention of making territorial concessions contrary to the Constitution, emphasising their commitment to sovereignty.
As the negotiations remain stalled, with Russia maintaining maximalist demands that Ukraine surrender all seized and even more territory, the US and Ukraine are actively participating in discussions about peace initiatives on the international stage. The aim of these consultations is to coordinate a united line ahead of the US-Russia talks to minimize the risk of decisions unfavorable to Ukraine.
The upcoming US-Russia meeting, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska, will primarily serve as an opportunity to analyze the positions of the parties, rather than signing final agreements. The meeting between Trump and Putin is being discussed, but the Ukrainian side insists on being part of the negotiations, with President Volodymyr Zelensky set to hold talks with leaders of European and US countries before the summit.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has spoken of continuing talks at higher delegation levels and expressed willingness to consider summits only after thorough preparation to avoid worsening the situation. However, Russia has signalled openness but delayed actual high-level meetings, while Ukraine strongly opposes any territorial concessions.
European officials have expressed concern about the prospect of such a deal, fearing it could undermine the West's united position on security issues and threaten Ukraine's interests. The US President may attempt to reach a direct agreement with the Russian leader, causing potential tension with Kyiv and European partners.
Despite the challenges, the Ukrainian side is prepared to work with Washington and other partners to achieve a stable and fair peace. The Ukrainian authorities argue that in the ongoing conflict, any agreement reached without the involvement of the affected party could be temporary and unstable.
The online conference, to be attended by NATO's Secretary-General and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who will act as the meeting's organizer, will provide a platform for discussing these complex issues and finding a path towards resolution. The Ukrainian side's firm position on sovereignty strongly impacts the negotiations, preventing any deal that involves forced territorial concession.
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