Europe will not accept Russia's dictated peace for Ukraine - EU Ambassador to Ukraine
Photo: EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová (facebook.com)
The visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders confirms that Europe stands with Kyiv and backs its position, said EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová.
According to Mathernová, seven European leaders will accompany Zelenskyy on his trip to Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The EU ambassador criticized Trump, saying the American leader has chosen not to push for a ceasefire.
"Instead, Putin presented a so-called 'peace proposal' that is nothing but the aggressor's dictate: Ukraine is, for example, expected to surrender the eastern part of its territory, beyond what Putin achieved militarily. Such a 'peace' is unacceptable," she said.
Mathernová reminded that the EU has consistently stated that peace must be based on adherence to international law. There must be respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. There should be no illusions or compromises with Russia.
She emphasized that the presence of seven European leaders at the White House sends a clear signal of EU support for Ukraine and its position. The EU will not recognize a “peace” that looks like capitulation.
"Together with the United States, we must push Putin towards a real ceasefire & then real peace – something that did not happen in Anchorage. Ukraine can fully rely on its European partners. The EU has shown a firm stance, courage, and reason. Because putting the aggressor in a position to dictate the terms of peace would mean endangering peace across all of Europe," Mathernová concluded.
Zelenskyy's visit and the Coalition of the Willing
President Zelenskyy will travel to Washington on Monday, August 18, to discuss the details of ending the war with US President Donald Trump. Several European leaders will join him.
Following an online session of the Coalition of the Willing in Brussels on August 17, European countries confirmed their unity and readiness to increase pressure on Russia. They pledged to provide security guarantees for Ukraine and support its sovereignty ahead of the Washington talks.
Zelenskyy noted that European partners support Ukraine's position that state borders should not be changed by force. Any territorial issues will be discussed exclusively at a trilateral meeting.
