Today’s critical Summit of leaders in Paris is carried out after the announcement by the White House that Russia and Ukraine agreed on the outline of a possible ceasefire in the Black seaa In separate conversations with US officials at Saudi Arabia.
THE French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to welcome Europeans Leaders for the session aimed at enhancing security in Ukraine. The majority of the EU leaders, the leadership of European institutions (President of the European Council and President of the European Commission) and the meeting will participate in the meeting, NATO Secretary Generalwhile countries have been invited to participate outside EU countries.
Twenty -seven Heads of State and Government are going to attend the Paris Summit, which will begin with their arrival at Hall of Champs Elysia from 10:00 Time Greece, While Macron will grant A press conference in the afternoon to summarize the discussions.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: In Paris for the leaders’ meeting
The meeting, which will also take up the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, It seeks to determine what security guarantees Europe can offer to Ukraine as soon as a ceasefire agreement is agreed, including the possible development of military forces by the so -called “eager coalition”.
Her Friday, March 28, Kyriakos Mitsotakis He will be back in the Champs -Elysee Mansion to meet Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanese President Joseph Aun. The four-day Greek-France-Cyprus-Livanos summit is the first corresponding to the four countries and even at the highest level.
It takes place at a juncture in which the landscape in the area is remodeled and regional developments are running. The government emphasizes that it highlights that Greece is present in developments, but also a factor in stability and security in the wider region.
Zelenski: Hoping the US “will stand strong” in front of Russia
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski He said yesterday that the US and the other Western allies of Kiev would remain strong in front of Russia’s demands and rhetoric.
However, he appreciated that the Washingo’s pro -Russian commentsThey weaken US pressure in Russia and do not bring peace closer.
Zelenski interviewed European journalists in Paris yesterday, the day before an international conference with the participation of 31 countries who have declared willing to assist Ukraine in the war against Russia.
As the Ukrainian president explained, he agreed to proceed with talks on a truce to ensure that the US will again begin to provide Kiev and information.
But Russia has set more terms to accept the truce agreement in the Black Sea and against energy infrastructure and focused mainly on loosening the sanctions, Zelenski noted.
“They set conditions for sanctions on the American side. If America stands strong, (…) we stand on our land and defend ourselves, “he said.
“We have shown our durability and now it is very important that our partners are at least as durable as we are, though they have more potential,” he said.
When asked if he believed that the US would resist Russian pressure, the Ukrainian president replied in English: “I hope, with the blessing of God they will. But we will see. “
After all Zelenski He expressed his gratitude for American aid to his country, but added that Washington has been “influenced” by Russian rhetoric for war.
“We cannot agree with this rhetoric. We are fighting for ourselves and we will fight against this rhetoric wherever it appears because there is simply no other way, “he said.
“All we can do is reveal another truth,” Zelenski added.
According to him, American envoy Steve Witkov “often repeats the Kremlin’s rhetoric”, referring to his positive statements about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions.
Washington has softened its attitude towards Russia in recent days, with Witkov declaring that he “does not consider Putin a bad guy”, a comment that has raised the concern of Europeans.
In addition, the American envoy has rejected Europeans’ efforts to recommend a “willing coalition” to support Ukraine.
“I don’t think this brings us closer to peace. Unfortunately, I think it is simply weakening the pressure of Americans in Russia, “commented Zelenski.
“I have spoken to President Trump many times and work (…) to exchange real, honest information. Because Whitkov’s statements are a major obstacle to us, “he continued.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and now controls about 113,000 square kilometers, about 20% of Ukraine, with the front line extending to 1,000 kilometers.
Zelenski said Ukraine has agreed to the US proposal for a 30 -day truce in previous discussions with US officials, but “I told the US side that the Russians would not agree because they would impose some conditions.”
The US announced on Tuesday to conclude agreements with Ukraine and Russia to suspend wounds in the Black Sea and energy infrastructure.
But yesterday, both sides were accused of violating this truce.
Macron announced a new pack of French military aid to Ukraine
Macron also announced that a new French military aid package to Ukraine two billion euros, with Paris ready to quickly send existing material from his stocks. The French president said Russia should accept the 30 -day truce 30 proposing Ukraine and US “without conditions” accusing Moscow of still showing “a desire for war” and knitting the praise of Kiev who “took the risk of peace”.
Macron also accused Russia of setting “new terms” and does not respond to a ceasefire proposal. “Ukraine has clearly expressed in the United States its agreement on full and unconditional ceasefire 30 days, even though it is a victim of the attack,” Macron said. “We expect the same commitment from Russia.”
Synod of leaders in Paris- scenarios examined
According to French diplomatic sources, the meeting will focus on four points of business.
The first point will concern the continuation of immediate aid to Ukraine on the basis of the needs it has identified. Within this context, representatives of the countries who will participate in the Conference will be invited to clarify the kind of help they wish and are able to provide, as well as the procedures by which this assistance will be implemented.
The second point will concern the likely ceasefire, which on the French side should be “complete and verifiable”. Crucial is the clarification of Russia’s moods and whether Vladimir Putin is willing to make commitments that will not only be “in principle”, representatives of French diplomacy note.
The third point will concern the medium -term and long -term strengthening of Ukraine’s defense capacity, so as not to leave room for new Russian offensive actions. Britain also promises constant military assistance so that Ukraine can continue to fight if peace talks fail or violate the truce.
The fourth point and the most crucial will concern the future creation of a “securing force” of peace, which will concern not only Ukraine but also Europe as a whole. The French side believes that Washington is not opposed to this perspective and that it can move in this direction in its evolving consultations with Moscow.