This summit, held without Ukrainian representatives, addressed issues such as the conditions for ending the war, security agreements, and the necessity of resolving the conflict. However, Ukraine's absence from these talks fueled new tensions in international relations, provoking strong reactions from European countries.
In recent days, new and significant developments in the Ukraine war have occurred that could have a notable impact on international relations. The important meeting of the U.S. and Russian foreign ministers in Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Arabia, is the most significant development that could create a new path for international negotiations on the Ukraine war.
At this summit, held without Ukrainian representatives, issues such as the conditions for ending the war, security agreements, and the necessity of resolving the conflict were discussed. However, Ukraine's absence from these talks fueled new tensions in international relations, provoking strong reactions from European countries.
Key U.S.-Russia agreements in Riyadh: A turning point in peace negotiations
At this summit, the United States and Russia emphasized some key issues that could significantly impact the future of the Ukraine war. One of the main agreements focused on securing Ukraine's borders and reassessing the military situation in disputed areas.
Russia continues to emphasize maintaining its control over eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas and Novorossiya regions, and seeks security guarantees for these areas. In return, the U.S. is pressuring Russia to accept a ceasefire and initiate negotiations to return to pre-war conditions.
While these negotiations are considered the first step towards broader talks, they face challenges from the outset due to Ukraine's absence.
Another important development in setting a new course to end the war in Ukraine is the necessity of holding presidential elections in Ukraine.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, emphasized in his remarks that Ukraine should hold elections as soon as possible and suggested replacing Volodymyr Zelensky as president. Trump, noting that Zelensky's popularity has sharply declined, demanded that Ukraine move towards holding elections without delay.
Trump's request can be seen as a threat to Zelensky to accept America's terms in the negotiations. Trump stressed that if Ukraine wants more support from the United States, it must move towards political changes and accept new conditions.
European reactions and opposition to this process
Strong opposition to these negotiations from European countries, especially Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, indicates serious differences in Western policies towards the Ukraine war. Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, reacting to the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, emphasized that any decision regarding Ukraine's future must be made with the presence of its representatives. He added that Europe would never accept an imposed peace that would harm Ukraine's territorial integrity. Scholz also stressed the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and prevent any deal that would sideline the country from the negotiation process.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, also emphasized in response to these negotiations that no peace agreement should come at the cost of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Macron also called for continued military and financial support for Ukraine to strengthen its position against Russian pressure. He further stated that any peace agreement must be within the framework of respect for international law and especially Ukraine's sovereignty.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also reacted to the Riyadh summit by stating that any action to end the war in Ukraine should be carried out with the full participation of European countries. Starmer, referring to the security threats on Europe's eastern borders, emphasized that only through the synergy of Europe and the United States can future Russian threats be prevented.
He also stated that if U.S.-Russia negotiations continue without Ukraine's presence, the likelihood of new crises in Western-Russia relations would increase.
Paris Summit: Europe's response to U.S. actions
In response to the Riyadh summit and the U.S.-Russia negotiation process, European countries also held a summit in Paris. This summit, attended by European leaders and senior officials, demonstrated that Europe is not willing to accept a peace agreement without Ukraine's involvement. The meeting emphasized that any agreement must respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, clearly highlighting the existing differences between the U.S. and Europe on this matter.
During the summit, discussions were held on deploying European peacekeepers to Ukraine and increasing European defense spending. European countries are striving to play a more significant role in global security issues by strengthening their defense capabilities and preventing ongoing security threats on their eastern borders.
According to European officials, the deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine should be done in full coordination with the United States, and only with American security guarantees can Russian threats be deterred.
Although the emergency summit of European leaders in Paris was intended to be a response to Trump's unilateral action to end the crisis and a symbol of European unity and coordination, it ended without reaching any tangible results.
One of the main topics of discussion at the Paris summit was the possibility of deploying European peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, an issue that faced serious disagreements.
The Paris summit's failure to reach tangible results indicated that European officials, concerned about the U.S.-Russia negotiations in Riyadh, are practically looking to Washington to guarantee peace in Ukraine.
Europe's €6 billion arms package for Ukraine
According to diplomatic sources, the European Union is preparing a new arms package for Ukraine worth €6 billion.
This aid package includes 1.5 million artillery shells and air defense equipment and systems, making it one of the largest military aids from the Union to Ukraine since the start of the war.
Diplomatic sources in the European Union also emphasized that this aid package may increase to €10 billion.
Although this news has not been confirmed by any European official, if this decision, which is a clear opposition to the Riyadh summit's decisions, is implemented, it could bring U.S.-Europe tensions to a new level.
Challenges ahead for Europe and U.S.: western unity at risk
Recent developments, mainly concerning the Ukraine war and the decision-making process to end this crisis, have brought about challenges in U.S.-Europe relations. While the U.S., under Trump's leadership, seeks to accelerate negotiations with Russia, Europe continues to emphasize the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and its involvement in the negotiation process. These differences could weaken Western synergy against Russia and other global events.
The question that arises now, following recent developments in the Ukraine war, is whether Europe will be able to maintain its position as a key player in Ukraine peace negotiations, or will the U.S. proceed independently?
This is a question that must be answered in the coming months.
NOURNEWS