António Costa, President of the European Council, has emphasised that solely Ukraine can determine when the situations for peace talks are in place.

Supply: Costa in a speech on the Munich Safety Convention, as reported by European Pravda

Particulars: Costa acknowledged that Ukraine has been resisting Russian aggression for almost three years and that Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has failed in his try and subjugate it.

"Immediately my message is evident. We aren’t giving up. We are going to proceed to help Ukraine as an integral a part of our undertaking for peace. Solely Ukraine can outline when there are situations for a negotiation. Assuming concessions earlier than any negotiation is a large mistake," he careworn.

He famous that the EU will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine: "within the negotiations, offering safety ensures, in reconstruction and as a future member of the European Union".

Costa famous that sustainable peace "can’t be a easy ceasefire".

"It [a ceasefire] can not give Russia the chance to assault ever once more. It can not reward the aggressor. It should assure that Russia will now not be a risk to Ukraine, to Europe, to its neighbours," he added.

He concluded there may very well be no credible negotiations or lasting peace with out Ukraine and the European Union.

Background:

• On 13 February, the Kremlin introduced that it had begun making ready a negotiating group to organise a gathering between Russian chief Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
• Trump additionally introduced that he had instructed US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Nationwide Safety Adviser Michael Waltz and Ambassador and Particular Envoy Steve Witkoff to "lead the negotiations which, I really feel strongly, can be profitable".
• In the meantime, the US president pledged that Ukraine can be a participant in future negotiations on "ending the struggle".

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