Europe is far from talks on troop deployment in Ukraine, as all efforts are currently focused on securing an unconditional ceasefire from Russia. This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after meeting on Saturday in Rome, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
"The next step should be to clarify the format for peace talks, as well as what security guarantees might one day be needed for Ukraine", Merz said, describing these issues as unpredictable at the moment.
"There is no reason to talk (about troops) at the moment, we are far from that. We want the guns to stop, the killings to stop (...) these are the issues we are dedicated to now," he added.
The leaders of France, Germany, Britain, Poland met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Albania. They spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
Trump said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
Meloni did not attend the summit in Albania, and Italian media described her absence as a deliberate act of neglect, Reuters recalls.
After her meeting with Merz, Meloni told reporters that Italy was open to joining any international format aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, but warned of the danger of dividing the West.
"The unity of the West has been our greatest strength since the beginning of the Russian invasion," she said, adding: "At a delicate moment like this, it is important to put aside any personal (differences) that could undermine this unity."
Commenting on peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul on Friday, Merz said the talks had ended "below our expectations despite the extremely constructive position of the Ukrainian negotiators".
Contrary to Merz and Meloki, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his readiness to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, but only if there is a US commitment to the security of European countries.
Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of soldiers from NATO countries being deployed in Ukraine.
In connection with the 17th package of sanctions against Russia approved by EU members, which is also expected to be approved by the EU Council, Merz supported the European Commission's proposal for sanctions against the "Nord Stream" gas pipeline, in order to dissuade potential future investors in the project, DPA added.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed his country's support for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
It was Carney's first meeting with the Ukrainian leader since becoming prime minister.
"The Canadian people will stand with firm and unwavering support... we emphasize that there can be no peace without the full support and participation of Ukraine and that you have our absolute support," Carney said, addressing Zelensky.
The two met on Saturday in Rome. They will attend the solemn mass on the occasion of the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, which will take place in "St. Peter's Square" on Sunday.
Carney also met with other world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Sergio Mattarella and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.