Should Ukraine and the European Union Be Involved in Any US-Russia Agreement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine and the EU must be part of US-Russia negotiations.
- Security guarantees are crucial for Ukraine's sovereignty.
- Active diplomacy is essential for achieving lasting peace.
- European leaders are united in their stance.
- Upcoming talks in Alaska are significant for future relations.
Brussels, Aug 11 (NationPress) The foreign policy chief of the European Union (EU), Kaja Kallas, emphasized that any agreement reached between the United States and Russia must incorporate Ukraine and the EU, as both nations gear up for discussions regarding a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
"Any deal between the US and Russia must include Ukraine and the EU, as it concerns Ukraine's security and that of the entire European continent," she stated.
Kallas announced plans to hold a virtual meeting with EU foreign ministers on Monday to deliberate on "our next steps," according to Xinhua news agency.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet on August 15 in Alaska to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, marking their first conversation since 2021.
On Saturday, European leaders released a joint statement asserting that any diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine crisis must safeguard the essential security interests of both Ukraine and Europe.
This statement was issued by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The leaders agreed that these vital interests necessitate robust and credible security assurances that empower Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They concluded that the only viable route to enduring peace and security in Ukraine is through a blend of active diplomacy, ongoing support for Ukraine, and sustained pressure on Russia.