UK and France to represent Europe in peace talks to end the war, says Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (president.gov.ua)
Europe must be at the negotiating table for ending the war in Ukraine. The UK and France should represent the EU, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference following the EU leaders' meeting on support for Ukraine.
According to the President, Ukraine’s position is very clear: Europe must be present at the negotiating table regarding the end of the war.
"Europe is very large, and it needs clear representation. Today we agreed that Europe will be represented by France and the United Kingdom, by Macron and Starmer," Zelenskyy stated.
The President added that this is a very important decision. Ukraine wants to convey this clear position to all other partners, including the United States, of course.
Peace talks and Europe
Ukraine and Russia are not currently engaged in direct negotiations to end the war. The United States is acting as a mediator in this matter for both countries.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously emphasized that Europe must participate in the negotiations on ending the war. According to him, he is very interested in this as Ukraine needs fair partners.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also supported Europe's involvement in the talks. He stated that Europe "has to fight its way to the table."
For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already expressed confidence that she will take part in the negotiations regarding Ukraine.
At the same time, the US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, stated that European representatives will not be "physically sitting" at the negotiating table. However, their interests will be taken into account.
Additionally, the Trump administration is aiming to conclude a final peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia by April 20, though it does not rule out the possibility that the signing may be delayed.
