KYIV — The European Union shouldn’t be sidelined from the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations brokered by the USA, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned Thursday.
“The conflict is occurring in Europe, and Ukraine is an integral a part of Europe — we’re already in negotiations on EU accession. Subsequently, Europe should be a participant within the related processes,” Zelenskyy mentioned after a cellphone dialog with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
U.S. President Donald Trump knowledgeable Zelenskyy and European leaders earlier this week that he plans to satisfy with Russian President Vladimir Putin and later maintain a trilateral assembly with Putin and Zelenskyy.
European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen was not on the decision with Trump, a spokesperson for the Fee mentioned on Thursday. However she was “extensively debriefed by a number of EU leaders,” the spokesperson instructed reporters.
The Kremlin confirmed on Thursday that the 2 leaders plan to satisfy “within the coming days.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned on Wednesday that, following Particular Envoy Steve Witkoff’s assembly with Putin, the U.S. authorities has a greater understanding of the circumstances beneath which Moscow could be ready to finish the conflict.
“We now have to match that to what the Ukrainians and our European allies, however the Ukrainians primarily, in fact, are prepared to simply accept — and what you attempt to see is how far are you able to get these two positions nearer,” Rubio instructed Fox Enterprise.
“If we are able to get what the Ukrainians will settle for and what the Russians will settle for shut sufficient, then I feel there’s the chance for the president to have a gathering that features each Putin and Zelenskyy to attempt to shut this factor out,” Rubio mentioned.
The diplomatic push comes after Trump upped the strain on Putin by imposing a further 25 % tariff on India for getting Russian oil.
Ukraine expects Trump may also impose new sweeping sanctions on Friday, but Putin may need supplied Trump a restricted truce to as soon as once more postpone such a transfer.
“Russia now appears to be extra inclined towards a ceasefire,” Zelenskyy mentioned in his night deal with Wednesday. “The strain is working,” he added.
However, Zelenskyy cautioned, “the hot button is to make sure they don’t deceive anybody within the particulars — neither us nor the USA.”
Zelenskyy needs to coordinate positions with European companions earlier than the high-level conferences.
“Ukraine is just not afraid of conferences and expects the identical courageous method from the Russian aspect,” Zelenskyy mentioned. “It’s time we ended the conflict. Thanks to everybody who helps.”