Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot urged the European Union to take advantage of the pause created by the United States in the negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. In his opinion, this creates a unique opportunity for the EU to finally secure a full seat at the negotiating table.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The Importance of the EU’s Role in Ukraine Negotiations
Speaking at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the “Gymnich” format in Limassol (Cyprus), Prévot emphasized that the EU’s participation in future negotiations concerns not only the formation of new relations between Ukraine and Russia but also impacts the entire architecture of European security. He stressed the need to be not just an observer but an active participant in the conflict resolution process.
“We must seize the opportunity created by the US decision to suspend its participation in the negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia. To finally be at the negotiating table.”
Prévot also highlighted that the EU must identify not only a potential representative for the negotiations but also develop a common position regarding the content of the future negotiation process. He suggested involving not only leading EU countries but also states that directly border Russia, including Poland, the Baltic states, Finland, and Sweden.
Seeking a Unified Approach and Lessons from the Past
The diplomat also recalled the Minsk agreements, which, according to him, did not yield the desired results, and called for avoiding the repetition of past mistakes in the new negotiation process.
At the meeting on May 28, EU member state foreign ministers are discussing possible candidates for the role of Europe’s representative in future negotiations with Russia regarding the cessation of the war against Ukraine. Among the potential candidates mentioned in European media are Finnish President Alexander Stubb, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently noted that Washington is ready to resume mediation in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia; however, such negotiations are currently not taking place. According to him, previous rounds of negotiations have proven to be ineffective.