EU Council President makes statement on start of peace talks in Ukraine
Photo: António Costa (Getty Images)
Peace talks to end the fighting in Ukraine must be held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Council President António Costa says, according to RBC-Ukraine correspondent.
“It is time for peace in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has created a new dynamic. It is clear that President Zelenskyy accepted Trump’s proposal,” Costa said.
According to the EU Council President, Russian leader Vladimir Putin kept delaying his decision, and instead escalated attacks on Ukrainian cities. “That is not a good sign,” Costa noted.
“If you want peace, come to President Zelenskyy and start peace talks,” the Head of the EU Council added.
Costa’s visit to Ukraine
On September 5, President Zelenskyy met with European Council President António Costa.
According to Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office, the talks focused on security guarantees for Ukraine - on land, in the air, at sea, and in cyberspace. A strong Ukrainian army and the development of defense production were identified as central elements.
Ukraine’s EU membership was also discussed separately, described as a guarantee of economic and geopolitical security for both Ukraine and Europe.
Other key topics included sanctions pressure on Russia and the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Meetings in Uzhhorod
As reports previously indicated, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was expected to arrive in Uzhhorod the same day for talks with Zelenskyy.
The Slovak government noted that energy infrastructure would be one of the main topics of the discussions. Following the meeting, the two leaders were set to hold a joint press conference.
