Trump, European leaders comment on videoconference on Ukraine
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (second from right) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) taking part in an Aug 13 videoconference call with other European leaders and the US (on screen).
PHOTO: EPA
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- Trump held a "very good" call with Zelensky and European leaders, aiming for a ceasefire and suggesting a trilateral meeting with Putin.
- European leaders stressed unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, seeking robust security guarantees for Kyiv.
- Leaders urged increased pressure on Russia if no progress is made in Alaska, prioritising a ceasefire for meaningful Ukraine negotiations.
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WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump joined a teleconference with European leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug 13, two days before the US leader is due to hold a summit in Alaska
Here is what some of the leaders said after the call.
US President Donald Trump speaking to reporters:
“We had a very good call... President Zelensky was on the call. I would rate it a 10, very friendly.
“...If the first one (meeting with Mr Putin) goes okay, we’ll have a quick second one. I would like to do it almost immediately, and we’ll have a quick second meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky and myself, if they’d like to have me there.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky:
“I told the US President and all our European colleagues that Putin is bluffing (about his stated wish to end the war). He is trying to apply pressure before the meeting in Alaska along all parts of the Ukrainian front. Russia is trying to show that it can occupy all of Ukraine...
“Everything concerning Ukraine must be discussed only with Ukraine’s participation. We must be preparing a trilateral format (along with Mr Trump and Mr Putin) for talks.
“A ceasefire must be the number one priority... There should be security guarantees. Truly reliable.”
French President Emmanuel Macron:
“President Trump was very clear that the United States wanted to achieve a ceasefire at this meeting in Alaska...
“The second point on which things were very clear, as expressed by President Trump, is that territories belonging to Ukraine cannot be negotiated (without Ukraine’s participation) and will only be negotiated by the Ukrainian President.
“There are currently no serious territorial exchange schemes on the table...
“He (Mr Trump) will also fight to secure a future meeting, a trilateral meeting... I think this is a very important point... and we hope that it can be held in Europe, in a neutral country that is acceptable to all parties.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:
“The principle that borders cannot be changed by force must continue to apply.
“Negotiations must include robust security guarantees for Kyiv. The Ukrainian armed forces must be able and remain able to effectively defend the sovereignty of their country. They must also be able to count on Western aid in the long term.
“...if there is no movement on the Russian side in Alaska, then the United States and we Europeans should... increase the pressure (on Russia).
“President Trump knows this position, he shares it very extensively and therefore I can say: We have had a really exceptionally constructive and good conversation with each other.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer:
Mr Starmer’s Downing Street office said in a statement: “The Prime Minister was clear that our support for Ukraine is unwavering – international borders must not be changed by force and Ukraine must have robust and credible security guarantees to defend its territorial integrity as part of any deal.”
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte, posting on X:
“We are united in pushing to end this terrible war against (Ukraine) & achieve just and lasting peace. Appreciate @realDonaldTrump leadership & close coordination with Allies. The ball is now in Putin’s court.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen:
“Today, Europe, the US and Nato have strengthened the common ground for Ukraine... We will remain in close coordination. Nobody wants peace more than us, a just and lasting peace.”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, posting on X:
“Excellent meeting with @POTUS and European leaders, including @ZelenskyyUA. Aligned views and unity. We are working together for a ceasefire and a sustainable peace. We are there for Ukraine every step of the way. The next few days and weeks can be decisive.”
Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s foreign policy adviser Marcin Przydacz:
“Only through concrete, tough action can the Russian Federation be restrained. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Russian Federation cannot be allowed to decide what borders in Europe will look like.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni:
Ms Meloni’s office said in a statement: “During the discussion, Prime Minister Meloni expressed her appreciation for President Trump’s efforts, reiterating the importance of continuing to work with the United States to stop the conflict and achieve a peace that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
“It is now time to see what Russia’s attitude will be in Alaska, as it has so far shown no intention of taking any significant steps forward.”
EU Council President Antonio Costa, posting on X:
“The EU is determined to work closely and in unity with the US to end Russia’s war of aggression and secure a just and lasting peace... Achieving a ceasefire remains the priority – as a necessary step toward meaningful negotiations with Ukraine.” REUTERS
