European leaders say no to Trump, Putin peace deal without Ukraine | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Rejection of border changes by force
• Need for Ukraine's inclusion in peace talks
• Ceasefire as a prerequisite for negotiations
• European security interests and guarantees for Ukraine
• Counterproposal to Russia's ceasefire plan
• Fear of Europe being sidelined in peace talks
• Europe's role as a major supporter of Ukraine

European Response to Potential US-Russia Talks on Ukraine

European leaders, including representatives from France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Finland, the United Kingdom, and the EU Commission, have issued a joint statement emphasizing their stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The core message is that any resolution regarding Ukraine must involve Ukraine itself at the negotiating table. This statement was issued late Saturday going into Sunday.

Rejection of Territorial Changes by Force

The European leaders have collectively rejected any changes to international borders achieved through the use of force. They view such actions as rewarding Russian aggression, which is unacceptable.

Ukraine's Inclusion in Negotiations

A central concern for European leaders is the potential exclusion of Ukraine from crucial talks concerning its own future. They insist that Ukraine must be an active participant in any discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. President Zelenskyy supports the joint statement and has been coordinating with partners like Britain, France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, and Spain.

Ceasefire as a Prerequisite

The European position is that meaningful negotiations can only commence after a ceasefire or a significant reduction in hostilities. They believe that discussing territorial concessions or other developments before establishing a ceasefire is counterproductive.

European Security Interests and Security Guarantees

The joint statement highlights the importance of protecting both Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests. This includes the need for robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees would ideally involve an assertion from the United States that it would intervene to support Ukraine in the event of another Russian invasion after a ceasefire is reached. The UK refers to this as a "backstop."

Counterproposal to Russia's Ceasefire Plan

While not officially confirmed, media reports suggest that European and Ukrainian officials have presented Washington with a counterproposal to Russia's ceasefire plan. This proposal reportedly stipulates that no developments, including swapping territories, should occur until a ceasefire is in place.

Fear of Being Sidelined

There is a palpable fear among European leaders that they might be sidelined in potential peace talks between the US and Russia. This concern is not new, as similar situations arose in February when initial talks between the US and Russia were being considered.

Europe's Role and Contributions

Europe, along with the United Kingdom and other G7 countries, has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, providing military aid and financial assistance to maintain government services and support Ukrainian refugees. Europe seeks recognition from the United States as a constructive and helpful partner in the negotiation process.

Conclusion

The European leaders are united in their support for Ukraine and their insistence on Ukraine's inclusion in any peace negotiations. They prioritize a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine and are wary of being excluded from discussions that directly impact their security interests. They will continue to push for recognition as a key partner in resolving the conflict.