Europe joins peace talks and will put pressure on Trump

Europeans join peace plan talks for the first time and prepare to put pressure on Trump

According to the information Politico, the European Union and the United Kingdom got a seat at the table for the first time during high-level negotiations on the US peace plan. This is a significant expansion of the format, which previously involved only Ukraine and the United States.

Who will represent Europe

They will join the consultations:

• Bjorn Seibert - Chief of Staff to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen;

• Pedro Lourtier - Chief Advisor to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.

They will coordinate the EU's position, which differs significantly from the current US position.

What Europe demands

European diplomats believe that the current US plan too favourable for russia, In particular, because of the possibility of territorial concessions.

EU position:

• categorically against the transfer of Donbas territories;

• offers freeze the conflict on the current contact line, but only as a temporary solution, This allows for a broader negotiation process to begin;

• seeks a more balanced formula that does not undermine the security of Ukraine and Europe.

Why Europe is asking for a seat at the table

According to Politico, European leaders believe that without their involvement, Washington could push for conditions that would expose Europe to a new wave of threats.
Therefore, the EU participants are determined to to put pressure on the Trump administration, insisting on correcting key points of the peace proposal.