US shifts focus to Venezuela: Ukraine talks stalled
The talks on Ukraine, which are scheduled to take place in Paris, have been put at risk by a shift in US foreign policy priorities. The US administration has shifted its focus to the situation in Venezuela, which has affected the dynamics of the discussions.
This is reported by The Independent.
According to journalists, the meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Paris was planned as a platform to discuss the country’s security after a possible ceasefire with Russia. However, the prospects for the talks remain uncertain due to Washington’s focus on other international issues.
Before the new US actions, French President Emmanuel Macron had been optimistic about the meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing.” In recent months, the format’s participants have discussed mechanisms for deterring Russia in the event of a cessation of hostilities against Ukraine.
The meeting is expected to be attended by 35 delegations, 27 of which represent heads of state and government. The US was scheduled to be represented by President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The organizers identified five key areas that were to be the result of the negotiations: control over the observance of the ceasefire, further support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the possible deployment of multinational forces on land, sea, and in the air, guarantees in the event of new Russian aggression, as well as long-term defense cooperation with Ukraine.
At the same time, the publication notes that the implementation of these plans within the planned timeframe is questionable. US President Donald Trump is currently focused on the consequences of his decision to change the leadership in Venezuela, which has effectively “paused” the Ukrainian negotiation track.