Will Europe be excluded from talks on Ukraine? European Commission responds to rumors
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Getty Images)
The format of negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine has not yet been agreed upon. Therefore, it is currently unclear whether Europe will take part in the dialogue, states European Commission representative Arianna Podestà at a briefing.
Podestà noted that EU representatives are in constant contact with Ukrainian officials and European leaders. Negotiations and communications are "ongoing at all levels."
She also commented on rumors of possible trilateral talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin without the participation of European representatives. According to her, no decision has yet been made regarding the format.
"The format, the timing, the logistics are completely unclear at this stage. They're still being decided. So we will have to see how things develop. And this is premature. So, of course, there's no disappointment in something that has not been requested and something that has not been decided," the European Commission representative emphasized.
Is Europe being left out of the talks?
The New York Times, citing its own sources, earlier reported that US President Donald Trump wants to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week.
Following that, the American leader plans to meet with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, according to the outlet’s sources, no seat at the negotiating table has been allocated for Europe.
Trump reportedly shared his plans during talks with European leaders, and they allegedly agreed.
Incidentally, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot previously stated that Europe wants to take part in negotiations on Ukraine, but only after a ceasefire is reached.
