Ukraine's EU Ambassador on Negotiating from a Position of Force with Russia

Ukraine's Stance on Negotiations

• 🇪🇺 Ukraine's EU Ambassador emphasizes the need to negotiate with Russia from a "position of force".
• 🇺🇦 The best security guarantee for Ukraine is a strong Ukrainian army, which requires continued US and European support.
• 🤝 Ukraine seeks to be a full participant in new European initiatives, leveraging its experience and defense base for long-term self-defense.

Territorial Concessions and Security Guarantees

• 🚫 Ukraine will not legally acknowledge any loss of territory and any discussion on territory must be a separate, later negotiation with Ukraine.
• 🇺🇸 Ukraine hopes for US backing to underpin the idea of defending Ukraine, potentially including discussions on security guarantees.
• 🗣️ The Ambassador stresses the importance of briefing President Trump on the real situation on the ground and what Ukraine can realistically accept.

European Unity and Pressure on Russia

• 🌍 It is crucial for European leaders to support President Zelensky and demonstrate a united front with the United States in speaking to Russia from a position of force.
• 💰 Russia's economy is significantly smaller than that of Europe and the US, making it possible to exert serious economic pressure.
• 📈 The EU is working on its 19th sanctions package, coordinating with the G-7 to maintain pressure on Russia, including secondary sanctions on countries like India and China.

Ceasefire and Peace Talks

• 🕊️ Ukraine insists on the necessity of a ceasefire to stop the killing before further talks can continue.
• 🇺🇦 President Zelensky will push to get the ceasefire back on the negotiating table with President Trump and in any trilateral meetings.
• 📉 Expectations that the meeting in Alaska would bring a ceasefire agreement were not met, highlighting the need to re-engage in this discussion.