Trump’s upcoming meeting with Putin sparks a wave of statements in Europe: who said what and why
European politicians and the Ukrainian leadership have reacted sharply to the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. They stressed that the future of Ukraine and the security of Europe cannot be decided without the direct participation of Kyiv and Brussels.
The Renew Europe political group in the European Parliament, a number of European diplomats, and senior Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns about the upcoming summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which is scheduled to take place on August 15 in Alaska. The main thesis, which was voiced from various European capitals, is “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Renew Europe President Valerie Geyer stressed that Ukraine and the EU should not be observers, but full participants in any negotiations concerning the future of Ukrainian territories and European security. According to her, Ukraine’s sovereignty is a key element of stability on the continent, and deciding its fate “in a closed room without the consent of Kyiv and Brussels” is unacceptable.
“Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about European security without Europe. The discussion should take place with the participation of Ukraine and the EU not as observers, but as decision-makers,” she said.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez, commenting on the preparations for the Trump-Putin meeting, stressed that no one has the right to make decisions about Ukraine’s territory without its government. He called the very fact of negotiations with Russia “positive” only on the condition that it is about real peace, not about legalizing aggression.
“If an aggressive war pays off for Russia, the world will become more unstable; anyone could be tempted to grab a piece of their weaker neighbor,” he added.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, in turn, after a conversation with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metzola , stated that any decisions without Ukraine’s participation are decisions against peace. He emphasized that Ukraine expects further strengthening of sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, increase of military and financial assistance and maximum assistance in the process of integration into the EU. The parties agreed to continue joint work to achieve just peace and security in Europe.
Recall that US President Donald Trump informed European leaders of his intention to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin , and later to organize a trilateral meeting with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
By the way, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is scheduled for the end of next week . Earlier, NATO Secretary General Rutte said that the Alliance countries will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine regardless of the results of the meeting scheduled for August 15 between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
It is worth noting that the US has promised to consult with European partners before the meeting between President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
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