Four European countries join Ukraine-Russia talks in Geneva
Photo: Ukraine, Russia, and the US hold talks in Geneva (facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua)
Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have sent their representatives to the third round of Ukraine-Russia-US talks in Geneva, La Repubblica reports.
Read also: Geneva talks: Key details on Ukraine-US-Russia meeting
According to the outlet, officials from the four countries are monitoring the third round of peace negotiations.
It is expected that throughout the day, European national security advisers will take part in the negotiations with the delegations of Ukraine and the US.
Notably, for the first two rounds of talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which took place in Abu Dhabi, European countries did not send their representatives.
Europe’s role in the negotiations
Previously, European leaders repeatedly stated that Europe should have a seat at the negotiating table between Ukraine, Russia, and the US.
In particular, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that without Europe’s participation in the negotiation process, there will be no peace. According to him, Europe needs to restore diplomatic contacts with Russia.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, for his part, said that European countries must take part in peace negotiations on Ukraine because they fund weapons purchases for Ukraine and provide financial assistance.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US have already begun in Geneva. The parties are expected to discuss the possibility of reaching an energy truce.
The Kremlin also stated that territorial issues would be addressed during the talks. Russia continues to insist on full control over the Donetsk region.
