Ukraine, EU Criticize Putin, Reject Territorial Concessions for Peace

Kyiv, Oct 21 (AP) — On Tuesday, Ukraine's President, along with several European leaders, criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for allegedly delaying diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. They opposed any proposal that would require Kyiv to surrender territories captured by Russian forces in exchange for peace, a suggestion that has occasionally surfaced from US President Donald Trump.

In a unified statement, eight European leaders and senior European Union officials affirmed their commitment to leveraging Russia's frozen assets abroad, valued in billions of dollars, to aid Ukraine in the conflict. Although concerns linger over the legal and potential repercussions of such actions, the plan is set to proceed.

Despite expressing support for Trump's endeavors to broker peace in Ukraine, particularly with an upcoming meeting with Putin in Budapest, Hungary, the statement underlined the allies' firm stance: “we remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.” Last month, Trump retracted his previous belief that Ukraine should cede land, acknowledging the possibility of reclaiming all they lost to Russia.

However, following a recent phone conversation with Putin and a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump revised his stance, advocating for Ukraine and Russia to halt hostilities and accept the existing line of control.

On Monday, Trump admitted he now has doubts about Ukraine's ability to ultimately defeat Russia, even though previous confidence existed.

European and Ukrainian leaders are putting efforts into keeping Trump aligned with their stance.

The statement explicitly endorsed Trump's position calling for an immediate cessation of fighting and highlighted the importance of using the current contact line as a foundation for negotiation. “Putin continues to choose violence and destruction," it emphasized.

The complexities of Trump's involvement in Europe's most significant conflict since World War II have evolved, underscoring his pursuit of a viable peace agreement.

Russia currently occupies about a fifth of Ukraine, yet Kyiv remains firm in its rejection of any territorial concessions for peace. Ukrainian and European officials warn that a conflict paused on current lines might perpetuate, with occupied Ukrainian territories serving as potential launching pads for further Russian aggression.

The unified declaration by leaders from Ukraine, the UK, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Denmark, along with EU representatives, marks the beginning of what Zelenskyy has dubbed a “very active in diplomacy” week. Additional international economic sanctions on Russia are set to be a topic at the EU summit in Brussels this Thursday.

“We must intensify the pressure on Russia's economy and its defense sector, until Putin agrees to a peace settlement,” expressed Tuesday’s statement.

This Friday, the Coalition of the Willing — a collective of 35 countries backing Ukraine — will convene in London to discuss further actions. (AP)

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