US pressure on Kyiv for territorial compromise draws European ire
The Elysee Palace emphasises that respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine is a key demand of the Europeans. In the background, there is a proposal from the US Vice President regarding a territorial exchange between Kyiv and Moscow.
What do you need to know?
• Meeting in London with the participation of representatives from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the USA, and Ukraine aimed to develop a common position on the ceasefire on the Russian-Ukrainian front.
• US Vice President J.D. Vance suggested that certain territorial adjustments would be necessary, which would mean Moscow and Kyiv would have to agree to hand over parts of the territories they control.
• The Elysee Palace responded to the US Vice President's proposal regarding territorial exchange. "Respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine is one of the main demands of the Europeans," said French representatives.
What are the positions of France and the USA?
According to the AFP agency, the meeting in London with representatives from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, along with US and Ukrainian envoys, aimed to - according to the Elysee Palace - "build a common position that the United States could present to the Russians."
On Wednesday, during a visit to India, US Vice President J.D. Vance stated that "certain territorial changes will have to occur." The Vice President clarified that - in his opinion - the lines of demarcation for the Russian and Ukrainian forces should run "not far from the current front lines."
What was established at the meeting in London?
During the meeting in London, which included representatives from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the USA, and Ukraine, the goal was to develop a common position that the United States could present to Russia. Discussions were held on the possibilities of a ceasefire on the Russian-Ukrainian front, which is crucial for further negotiations.
What are the next steps regarding Ukraine?
"Respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its European vocation are very strong demands of the Europeans," declared the Elysee Palace on Wednesday, responding to the US Vice President's proposals. France does not consider handing over Ukrainian lands to Moscow.
