US Envoy: Ukraine’s Peace Talks Will Include European Views

Amid growing concerns that a potential peace deal for ukraine could be negotiated without Kyiv or European allies at the table, US Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, reassured that European perspectives will be taken into account.

Kellogg’s Visit to Brussels

Kellogg’s two-day trip to Brussels comes at a critical time. European allies are apprehensive about the upcoming US-Russia peace talks scheduled for tommorow in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as neither Ukraine nor European representatives are expected to participate.

Zelenskyy’s Stance on Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated unequivocally that his nation would not endorse a peace agreement detrimental to its interests, nor would he accept negotiations in which he is absent. As Zelenskyy remarked over the weekend, “Kyiv would not agree to a deal that would be detrimental to its country or that resulted from negotiations in which he didn’t participate.”

No pressure on Zelenskyy, Kellogg Asserts

Kellogg firmly emphasized that Zelenskyy, as the democratically elected leader of a sovereign nation, would not be subject to external pressure. “Nobody would impose decisions on Zelenskyy,” kellogg stated. He added, “The decision to engage in a deal ultimately rests with the Ukrainians.”

Meeting with Zelenskyy

Following his visit to Brussels, Kellogg is scheduled to travel to Kyiv tomorrow for a three-day engagement, during which he will hold meetings with Zelenskyy.

European Input in Peace Talks

When questioned about his earlier statement in Munich that “Europeans would not be at the table,” Kellogg clarified that European concerns would be heard and considered. “If ‘at the table’ means that your views are heard, understood, transmitted, the answer is absolutely,” he affirmed.

Security Guarantees Discussions

Last week, the US sent a questionnaire to European capitals seeking information about their potential contributions to a future peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Kellogg underscored that these discussions are crucial before finalizing any security guarantees. “Before any type of discussion and security guarantees is finalized, of course, those discussions are going to take place,” he explained. “Answers to those questions will be determined as you come up with the final process,” he added.

Coordination with the US Negotiating Team

Kellogg’s absence from the US negotiating team traveling to Riyadh has raised questions about his role in shaping the peace proposal and the incorporation of European input. Though, Kellogg assured observers that the team remains synchronized. “That doesn’t mean that the team is not fully synced,” he stated. “They are going to come out of the Middle East, I will come out of Ukraine – we will go back to being synced up,” he added, mentioning a recent joint conference call.

Call for Continued Dialog and Collaboration

The situation in Ukraine is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. Open dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders, including Ukraine, its European allies, and the US, are crucial for achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution.

Anjo