Ukraine and allies agree on 5 key principles to end war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
During a conversation with US President Donald Trump and European leaders, five joint principles for ending Russia's war against Ukraine were agreed, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"Before this coordination call, we agreed on five common principles. This is the negotiation format. Everything concerning Ukraine must be discussed exclusively with Ukraine. We must prepare a trilateral format of talks," Zelenskyy said.
According to him, there must first be a ceasefire and truly reliable security guarantees.
"Today, by the way, President Trump expressed support for this and stated America's readiness to participate. Also among the agreed principles is that Russia cannot have a veto over Ukraine's European and NATO aspirations," the president added.
He noted that peace negotiations should be combined with appropriate pressure on Russia.
"Sanctions must be in place and must be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Alaska. These are effective principles, and it is important that they work," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Zelenskyy's conversation with Trump and European leaders
Ahead of the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 — without the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — concerns were voiced in Europe that the future of Ukraine and European security could be decided there.
In response, European leaders together with Zelenskyy held a video conference with the US president today, August 13.
According to French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said he wants to reach an agreement with Putin on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also revealed details of the conversation with Trump and the European leaders.
