Germany and France Emphasize Ukraine's Involvement in Peace Talks
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Synopsis
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have emphasized the necessity of involving the Ukrainian government in any peace negotiations related to the Ukraine conflict. They reaffirmed their support for Kyiv and called for a just and lasting peace during their meeting in Berlin.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine's involvement in peace talks is crucial.
- Scholz and Macron reaffirmed their support for Kyiv.
- Discussions ahead of a European Council summit.
- Call for a complete ceasefire and lasting peace.
- France, Britain, and Germany's role in negotiations.
Berlin, March 19 (NationPress) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that any peace discussions concerning the Ukraine conflict must include the Ukrainian government in their entirety.
During a meeting in Berlin on Tuesday, the two leaders highlighted their steadfast support for Kyiv, insisting that no decisions regarding Ukraine's future should be made "over the heads" of the Ukrainian populace. They advocated for a "just and enduring peace."
Their discussions occurred prior to a European Council summit in Brussels later this week, where topics such as Ukraine, European defense, and economic competitiveness will be significant points of dialogue. "We are in total agreement that Ukraine can count on us," Scholz stated during a joint press conference.
In reference to a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin about a ceasefire in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Scholz described it as "a first important step" but emphasized the urgency of achieving a complete ceasefire swiftly, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Macron echoed this perspective, reaffirming Europe's ongoing support for Ukraine to secure a stable and lasting resolution. He regarded the Trump-Putin discussions as "moving in the right direction."
Macron mentioned that France, Britain, and Germany have played a constructive role in encouraging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider a proposed 30-day ceasefire.
"The initial measures are in place, but our objective remains unchanged - to establish a fully respected, measurable, and verifiable ceasefire and initiate peace talks that lead to a solid and lasting peace with guarantees," Macron stated, underlining that Ukraine must be directly involved in all discussions.
