European foreign ministers assert Ukraine and Europe must have a role in war negotiations
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
The foreign ministers of France, the UK, Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, the EU, and Ukraine have made a statement on their participation in future talks to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. They stressed that Ukraine and Europe must participate in any negotiations on the Russian-Ukrainian war.
In a Paris declaration, the foreign ministers of France, the UK, Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, the EU, and Ukraine assert their stance following a conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Leading European diplomats stressed that high-level talks that could decide the future of Eastern Europe must include Ukraine.
"We stand ready to strengthen support for Ukraine. We are committed to its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's aggressive war," the ministers said in a statement.
They also share the goal of continuing to support Ukraine until a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace is achieved.
According to the ministers, this peace guarantees the interests of Ukraine and its European allies.
"We look forward to discussing the way forward with our American allies.
Our shared goal is to ensure a position of strength for Ukraine. Ukraine and Europe should participate in any negotiations," the ministers emphasized in their joint statement.
They also added that Ukraine should be provided with strong security guarantees. In their opinion, a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine is necessary for strong Euro-Atlantic security.
"We recall that the security of the European continent is our shared responsibility. Therefore, we are working together to strengthen our collective defense capabilities," the ministers summarized in the statement.
In turn, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that peace can only be achieved through joint efforts.
"Peace can only be achieved together. And that means with Ukraine and with the Europeans. We must walk this path together so that peace returns to Europe," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock explained in an interview with Politico after Trump announced a dialogue with the Russian dictator on Wednesday.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said:
"All we need is peace. A just peace. Ukraine, Europe, and the United States must work on this together."
For reference:
As reported, on February 12, US President Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. They discussed, among other things, the war in Ukraine.
After that, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the head of state, he and Trump agreed to contact further and meet.
Trump repeated the Pentagon chief's thesis that the US considers Ukraine's membership in NATO "impractical." At the same time, the American president noted that the United States will continue to assist Ukraine, "but we want it to be safe."
According to the United States Department of State, President Donald Trump's special representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will visit Germany, Belgium, and Ukraine from February 13 to 22 to discuss with allies ways to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
Recently, Trump's special envoy said that the United States already has a "good, solid plan" to end the war in Ukraine.
