Europe stands firm: No recognition of Russian-held Ukrainian lands
President Volodymyr Zelensky, following another summit in Paris, highlighted Europe's unified stance in not recognizing Ukraine's occupied territories as Russian, even as the US sends signals of possible compromises. He also stressed that Europe's involvement in peace talks in Ukraine is indispensable.
What do you need to know?
- Europe remains united in its refusal to recognize the occupied territories of Ukraine as Russian, as emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Paris.
- He noted that the US is indicating the possibility of compromises on territorial issues, although these were not discussed during talks in Saudi Arabia.
- At the summit in Paris, it was agreed that France and the United Kingdom would represent Europe in negotiations regarding peace in Ukraine.
What are the positions of Europe and the USA?
During a press conference in Paris, President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Europe stands firm in not recognizing the occupied territories of Ukraine as Russian. This position is unanimously shared across European nations, offering Ukraine robust support in its pursuit of full sovereignty.
However, as Zelensky pointed out, the US has been signaling potential compromises on territorial concessions, although this issue was not raised during discussions with the Americans in Saudi Arabia.
Zelensky also admitted that he does not know the answer to the question of what security guarantees Ukraine can receive from the USA. "I do not have an answer to that question," he said succinctly.
"During the leaders’ meeting in France on support for Ukraine I emphasized that the war is still ongoing — and it’s only happening because of Russia, whose position is simple: keep the war going, keep attacking, and delay diplomacy," Zelensky posted on social media.
Talks with Russia about peace in Ukraine. Europe will be represented by France and the UK
"Europe is very large, and it needs clear representation. Today we agreed that Europe will be represented by France and the United Kingdom, by Macron and Starmer," Zelensky stated in Paris.
During the press conference summarizing the summit of Ukraine's allies, he indicated that Kyiv's position is "very clear."
"Europe is very large, and it needs clear representation. Today we agreed that Europe will be represented by France and the United Kingdom, by Macron and Starmer," he emphasized.
