Europe may be represented by several people at upcoming negotiations – Zelenskyy
Europe may be represented by several individuals at the next round of negotiations on Ukraine, including EU and NATO leaders or representatives of several European countries, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that Europe may be represented by multiple individuals in forthcoming negotiations regarding Ukraine. During discussions in Abu Dhabi, EU and NATO leaders were considered as potential representatives, as the talks focused on security guarantees, the nation's recovery, and the eventual conclusion of the conflict.
Zelenskyy noted that while there are two U.S. representatives, Europe could also be represented by a group of several individuals, provided it is not just a single person chosen collectively.
The Ukrainian leader mentioned that national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy were present during the talks. Finland, Norway, and Poland are also being considered as potential candidates for European representation in the upcoming rounds of negotiations. However, Zelenskyy emphasized that it is crucial for Europe to decide on their representation and for all parties to agree on the individuals chosen. He believes that three to five people would most likely represent Europe as a unified front.
Zelenskyy made it clear that he did not want Europe to be divided over this decision and that he did not wish for Ukraine to be held accountable for any potential disagreements. He asked European partners to independently select their representatives for the negotiations, as he considered it inappropriate for Ukraine to appoint a single individual on behalf of the entire continent.
The president stated that Ukraine had the final say in the matter but stressed the importance of ensuring that Europe's interactions with the United States and Russia follow an agenda that is understandable to both Ukraine and the rest of Europe.
Over 30 countries are interested in the negotiation process, including the 27 EU member states and nations outside the Union that provide military, humanitarian, or political support to Ukraine. Zelenskyy stressed the need for all of these countries to be involved in the joint process.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
