European leaders say Trump-Putin meeting must involve Ukraine
Several European leaders have called for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to also be invited to the planned meeting between US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. "The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine," their a joint statement reads.
The leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission argue that "international borders should not be changed by force". "Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities," the Europeans stress.
That cannot be done without the involvement of Ukraine, they say. "Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine."
Praise for Trump
In addition, the European leaders stress that a diplomatic approach must be accompanied by pressure on Russia to end the war. The signatories also praise Trump's diplomatic work and say they are ready to support his initiative.
"The end of the war must be fair," Zelensky responded on Sunday morning. "I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people today for the sake of peace in Ukraine, which is defending the vital security interests of our European nations."
US broadcaster NBC reported that the White House is still considering inviting Zelensky to meet Putin in Alaska on Friday. NBC said it was relying on a senior US official and three people aware of internal White House talks.
Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, France's president Emmanuel Macron, Poland's prime minister Donald Tusk and Germany's chancellor Friedrich Merz during a a phone call with US president Donald Trump in Kyiv in May. PHOTO © Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP
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