Ukraine expects Europe to swiftly appoint representative for peace talks with Russia
Photo: Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Europe must quickly decide who will represent it in negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, as the role of such a figure will be important, said Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva, Bloomberg reports.
"It should be a quickly made decision. I hope right after the Paris meeting. We should act, not reflect," Zhovkva said.
He clarified that the representative should be at the level of a leader, holding the same status as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
Europe’s role in the talks
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must be involved in negotiations to end the war. He emphasized his strong interest in this, as Ukraine needs fair partners.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also supported Europe’s participation, stating that it "has to fight its way to the table."
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already expressed confidence that she will be involved in the talks on Ukraine.
However, US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg said that he does not see Europe taking a direct seat at the negotiating table, though European interests will be taken into account.
