February 13, 2025 10:07 GMT
UKRAINE: Foreign Min Cautious On Talks; Kremlin 'Impressed' By Trump Position
UKRAINE
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Speaking to France's Le Monde, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha says, in reaction to US President Donald Trump's announcement of talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine, that 'Nothing can be discussed on Ukraine without Ukraine or on Europe without Europe.' Sybiha: 'With Trump's leadership [and] strong European commitment we have a chance to give fresh impetus to this process'.
- Says that 'As far as Ukraine is aware, the Americans have not yet finalised their plan'. Following US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's comments on 12 Feb, Sybiha says 'NATO membership remains a strategic objective of Ukraine, all allies said its path was irreversible'.
- Claims that "There should be no compromises that harm the territorial integrity of sovereignty of Ukraine'.
Sybiha's comments come in the wake of a flurry of headlines hitting wires from Kremlin spox Dmitry Peskov.
- Peskov says that following the Trump-Putin call the Kremlin is focused on preparing for a meeting between the two leaders. Offered no indication on place or time for meeting (Saudi Arabia seen as most likely). On a Ukraine peace deal 'There is a political will on both sides to engage in dialogue and search for a settlement'. Peskov: 'The Biden administration tried to keep the war going but the Trump administration is trying to ensure peace.' Says that 'We are impressed by the Trump position'.
- Says that the issue of recognition of Crimea and other occupied territories 'was not raised' on the Trump-Putin call.
The topic of occupied territories will be a central one for Kyiv. Hegseth said on 12 Feb that a return to the pre-2014 borders is "an unrealistic objective."
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