French President Emmanuel Macron said on 13/8 that "no plan for territorial concessions will be seriously discussed" at the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on 15/8 in Alaska.
Macron's statement followed a one-hour virtual meeting with the US and Ukrainian presidents and European leaders. All parties described the discussion as "very good".
President Macron confirmed that President Trump "is very clear about wanting to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine." He added that issues related to Ukrainian territory would not be negotiated without Ukraine's involvement.
"Territorial issues are within Ukraine's purview and can only be negotiated by the Ukrainian President," Macron said.
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French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin, Germany, on 23/7. Photo: AFP |
French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin, Germany, on 23/7. Photo: AFP
Following the virtual meeting, President Trump stated that if his meeting with Putin goes well, he hopes to hold a trilateral meeting with the Ukrainian leader soon after. Trump also warned of "very serious consequences" if Russia does not end the conflict in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Trump largely agreed with European countries on increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions if no progress is made in ending the Ukraine conflict.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that sanctions or secondary tariffs on Russia could be intensified if the talks "do not go well".
According to the Ukrainian President, the US and European allies have agreed on 5 principles for the Trump-Putin summit: Ukraine must be directly involved in the conflict resolution process, all issues related to Ukraine must be discussed separately with the country, and there should be a readiness for trilateral dialogue.
The Ukrainian leader also emphasized the need to ensure Kyiv's security and called for tougher sanctions against Russia if it continues to refuse a ceasefire.
The statements from Western leaders have somewhat allayed Kyiv's earlier concerns that the Russian and US leaders might reach an agreement requiring Ukraine to cede territory in exchange for peace.
Ngoc Anh (FT, Politico, Ukrinform)
