In the wake of rising tensions with Russia, European allies are uniting to demand that any peace talks regarding Ukraine include its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. A joint statement from leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission reinforced that Ukraine must play a central role in any negotiations. This comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, raising concerns that Kyiv might be sidelined.
**European Allies Demand Ukraine's Involvement in Peace Talks with Russia**
**European Allies Demand Ukraine's Involvement in Peace Talks with Russia**
European leaders emphasize that no peace agreement regarding Ukraine should be made without Kyiv's participation as tensions with Russia escalate.
President Zelensky warned that agreements made without Ukraine would merely result in "dead decisions." There are suggestions from the U.S. side about a potential trilateral meeting involving both Trump and Zelensky, though Putin's acceptance of such a meeting remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Trump indicated that territorial exchanges might be necessary for peace, which provoked a strong backlash from Zelensky, who asserted that Ukraine would not concede any territory.
European leaders are emphasizing that any change in international borders must not be done by force and that Ukraine has the right to determine its own future. Their message indicates that a diplomatic resolution is essential, stressing the broader implications for European security. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that excluding Europe from negotiations would undermine stability in the region.
In light of these developments, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with European officials to reassert the importance of including Ukraine in any discussions. The upcoming summit in Alaska marks a significant moment as it would be the first direct engagement between sitting leaders from the U.S. and Russia since Biden's previous meeting with Putin in 2021, amidst ongoing conflicts and territorial disputes in Ukraine.
European leaders are emphasizing that any change in international borders must not be done by force and that Ukraine has the right to determine its own future. Their message indicates that a diplomatic resolution is essential, stressing the broader implications for European security. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that excluding Europe from negotiations would undermine stability in the region.
In light of these developments, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with European officials to reassert the importance of including Ukraine in any discussions. The upcoming summit in Alaska marks a significant moment as it would be the first direct engagement between sitting leaders from the U.S. and Russia since Biden's previous meeting with Putin in 2021, amidst ongoing conflicts and territorial disputes in Ukraine.
