Ukraine will push for peace talks with Russia, but not on Putin’s terms – Borrell

EU High Representative Josep Borrell said that Ukraine will continue to look for ways to hold the next peace conference with the participation of the Russian Federation, but not on the terms of the Kremlin's head, Vladimir Putin.

Borrell said this at a press conference in Brussels following the results of the Council of EU Ministers on Foreign Affairs, according to Ukrinform.

"I am convinced that President Zelensky will continue the offensive in these negotiations to have the next conference with the presence of Russia. This is realistic, of course.

We have already said what was said—the next step requires Russia's involvement. But how should we perceive what Putin said during Prime Minister [Hungary—ed.] Orbán's visit to Moscow?

Look – these are the prerequisites Putin put forward. Of course, we should hope for peace through diplomatic negotiations, but on a certain basis. And this is not Putin's basis," he said.

Borrell said that during the communication with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, the European government officials discussed the next steps after the Peace Summit in Switzerland.

They agreed that more needs to be done to attract the broadest possible presence of partners worldwide.

"The summit in Switzerland had a good result, but it should be improved.

About 90 countries agreed with the final statement of this meeting. Still, we have to go further to counteract Russian propaganda, clarify, and explain to everyone in the world what exactly is happening.

That it is Russia that is carrying out an attack against Ukraine, to remind you that there is an aggressor, and there is a party that is subjected to aggression. That Ukraine is defending itself, and we are helping Ukraine in self-defense," Borrell stressed.

According to him, the truth is that the position of the EU has remained unchanged for a long time:

"We support President Zelensky's Peace Formula, which is the only peace plan in this city, in Brussels. The only peace plan supported by the European Union."

For reference:

A Ukraine peace summit took place in Switzerland on June 15 and 16. Representatives of 100 countries and international organizations participated.

Contrary to the state mass media's statement, the participants of the peace summit signed a joint declaration. The document, signed by 78 countries and four organizations, outlined three main objectives: nuclear, food, and humanitarian security.

Later, several other countries and organizations joined the communique.

Subsequently, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared his desire to hold the second Peace Summit this year and expressed his hope for the United States' support in this matter.

Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Russian representatives should be present at the second Peace Summit and set the task of fully preparing the plan for holding the second summit in November.

However, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sergey Lavrov, stated that the discussion on holding the second Peace Summit regarding Ukraine contained unacceptable approaches for Russia and "many other" states.