European leaders, Zelensky say Russia’s stance in Ukraine peace talks is ‘unacceptable’
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(From left) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the European Political Community summit in Tirana.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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TIRANA, Albania – The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland agreed on May 16 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russia’s position in peace talks was “unacceptable” and also consulted US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
The first direct peace talks
They lasted well under two hours, with no apparent sign of progress so far in narrowing the gap between the sides, and a Ukrainian source called Moscow’s demands “non-starters”.
Mr Starmer made his comments in a brief joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania.
Mr Starmer said the leaders had met Mr Zelensky – who was also at the summit – to discuss the Istanbul talks and had a call with Mr Trump.
“The Russian position is clearly unacceptable, and not for the first time,” Mr Starmer said.
“And so as a result of that meeting with President Zelensky and the discussion with President Trump, we are now closely aligning and coordinating our responses and will continue to do so,” he said.
The leaders did not take any questions from reporters. REUTERS
