Talks on Ukraine
Peace in Ukraine seems feasible, although remains a distant possibility for the time being
Bogdan Matei, 25.02.2025, 14:00
From the perspective of the interim president of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, the security of neighboring Ukraine, invaded by Russian troops, is essential both for Romania and for the entire European continent. In a video-link intervention at the summit hosted by Kyiv, Bolojan said that support for Ukraine must continue in the following stages, in the peace process and in the reconstruction process. Romania is ready to coordinate with all European, American and allied partners to contribute to finding the path to a fair and lasting peace as quickly as possible, interim president Bolojan further noted. Any discussion about ending the war in Ukraine cannot take place without Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry in Bucharest also reported on Monday, marking three years since the invasion began. Moreover, the MFA adds, there can be no just and lasting peace without holding accountable all those guilty of the crimes committed against Ukraine. The Ministry emphasizes that, for Romania, a secure, resilient, stable, democratic and prosperous Ukrainian state remains a fundamental foreign policy objective. Furthermore, no discussion about security in Europe can take place without the direct involvement of European states, the Ministry also notes.
This view seems to be widely shared right now. The participation of Europeans in peace talks with Ukraine will be necessary in the end, Russian president Vladimir Putin said himself, suggesting however, that the war will last. The new White House leader, Donald Trump, in turn agreed that Europeans should play a role in the Ukraine peace process, by guaranteeing its security. Trump also stated that Putin would agree to a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, a solution that Moscow had previously rejected. In Washington, the American president met his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, who said that a ceasefire might be reached in a few weeks.
In the meantime, the European Council President, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, traveled to Kyiv to reiterate their support for Ukraine. The EU will continue its support, also by stepping up pressure with new sanctions against the Russian aggressor, EU officials said. Although not agreed by all EU member states, a new €20-billion military aid package is also on Brussels’ agenda, which the EU claims will strengthen Kyiv’s position in negotiations, rather than contribute to achieving peace. (VP)
