Paris, France – European ministers emphasized the importance of including Ukraine in any decisions related to ending Russia’s war against the country. A joint statement from seven countries and the European Commission reaffirmed that Ukraine and Europe must play a key role in negotiations. The British defense secretary emphasized that the Ukrainians, who are on the front lines of the conflict, should have a significant say in determining the terms of peace talks.
During a meeting in Paris on Wednesday, ministers from France, Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and the European Commission gathered with Ukraine’s foreign minister. The U.S. defense secretary, however, expressed skepticism about a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders and dismissed the idea of Nato membership for Kyiv as a resolution to the war.
Following a conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, the U.S. President announced a commitment to immediate negotiations and a planned meeting with the Russian president in Saudi Arabia. Trump indicated a willingness to accept Ukraine not joining Nato and appeared unconcerned about Russia retaining the territory it invaded. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the need for the U.S.’s support in building up Ukraine’s military capabilities to match Russia’s in case Nato membership is not an option.
Ukraine made strides in its own security efforts with the arrest of a high-ranking official suspected of working for Russia. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out the arrest during an operation codenamed “rat,” with President Zelenskyy being informed of the development. In Russia, eight men faced trial for a terrorist act related to an explosion on the Kerch Bridge that connects Russian territory to occupied Crimea, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and major damage to the bridge.
Acknowledging the ongoing attacks on Ukrainian gas facilities by Russian missiles and drones, Ukraine’s deputy energy minister highlighted the need for assistance from partners to secure additional gas supplies. The U.S. treasury secretary echoed the importance of collaboration between Ukraine and the U.S., suggesting that a new security and economic cooperation agreement could provide Ukraine with essential support post-conflict.
Amidst escalating tensions, Britain announced plans to provide military aid worth £150m to Ukraine, consisting of drones, tanks, and air defense systems. Additionally, concerns were raised over China’s involvement in aiding Russia’s military drone production through the smuggling of western components, as reported by Estonia’s foreign intelligence. The accusations were met with denial from China’s embassy in Tallinn, emphasizing their strict controls on the export of dual-use articles.
The article also touched on allegations made by former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko against President Zelenskyy regarding sanctions deemed unconstitutional and politically motivated by Poroshenko. Zelenskyy, who won the 2019 presidential elections by a significant margin, indicated that decisions made by the national security and defense council would be made public, without addressing Poroshenko directly.