Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the United States had promised to consult with Europe ahead of a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as European ministers prepared for discussions amid concerns that Washington could dictate unfavourable peace terms for Ukraine, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
European Union foreign ministers are expected to hold a video conference call this afternoon to discuss their support for Kiev and the upcoming summit between Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Last week, Trump announced that he would meet with Putin on Friday in Alaska to negotiate an end to the three-and-a-half-year war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion of its territory. neighbor, Reuters recalls.
"The American side promised to consult with its European partners on its position before the meeting in Alaska", Tusk said at a press conference. "I will wait for [...] the effect of the meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin - I have many fears and many hopes", he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that concessions to Moscow will not convince it to stop the fighting in Ukraine and that pressure on the Kremlin needs to be stepped up.
European officials have tried to influence the White House's position ahead of the Alaska talks, stressing the need to protect Ukraine's sovereignty, provide security guarantees and allow Kiev to choose its own path.
Over the weekend, US Vice President J.D. Vance met with European and Ukrainian representatives, and European leaders are expected to have more talks with Washington in the coming days.
"Any agreement between the US and Russia must include Ukraine and the EU, as this is an issue related to the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe," the head of the foreign ministry said yesterday EU policy Kaia Kallas.
European leaders also stressed their commitment to the idea that international borders cannot be changed by force, as EU capitals fear that a deal imposed on Kiev could set a dangerous precedent, Reuters reported.