BRUSSELS – European Union foreign policy officials emphasized that any agreement between Washington and Moscow to end the war in Ukraine must include both Ukraine and the EU, highlighting it as essential for European security. A meeting of European foreign ministers will be convened to discuss the next steps regarding the situation.
Officials stated that the United States has the power to push Russia toward serious negotiations, but any deal must ensure the participation of Ukraine and the European Union. Such inclusiveness is seen as crucial for Ukraine’s and Europe’s security and stability. They cautioned that any settlement should not serve as a platform for further Russian aggression against Ukraine or the broader region. International law dictates that all temporarily occupied territories are recognized as part of Ukraine.
The call for inclusive negotiations comes ahead of a planned meeting between American and Russian leadership scheduled for Friday in Alaska. This summit has raised concerns about the possibility of Kyiv being sidelined in any negotiations. Ukrainian leaders have made it clear that Ukraine’s involvement in peace talks is essential for any effective agreement.
In addition to matters related to Ukraine, the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers will also address the situation in Gaza, reflecting a broad array of security concerns.
EU officials reinforced that the path to peace in Ukraine should not be decided without Ukraine’s direct participation, stressing that meaningful negotiations require a reduction of hostilities and respect for international borders. There is a firm rejection of changing borders by force or offering territorial concessions.
This firm stance on including Ukraine and the EU in negotiations underlines the European Union’s commitment to reaching a just and lasting resolution, safeguarding Ukrainian sovereignty and wider European security.