Europeans insist on a just path out of the war in Ukraine

Paris (d.de) – Senior representatives from Europe, the US and Ukraine have met in Paris to discuss possible ways to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. France described the talks as an “excellent exchange” and announced that discussions would continue next week in London. 

This was the first time that delegations from Washington, Kyiv and various European capitals had come together in this format. It was said that the aim was to achieve a viable and just peace that guaranteed Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Germany was represented by Jens Plötner, the Federal Government’s foreign and security policy adviser, and Günther Sautter, political director at the Federal Foreign Office. 

The talks focused on the conditions for a sustainable peace agreement. The European delegation made one thing clear: a lasting peace could only be achieved if Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity was fully preserved. Ukraine had to be given the best possible support for negotiations, said the Europeans – including military support. 

US President Donald Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff are taking a markedly different approach. Following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Washington has signalled interest in a swift ceasefire and is prepared to put pressure on Ukraine to achieve it.