Only Ukraine, as the victim of Russian aggression, and President Volodymyr Zelensky have the authority to decide which international leaders should be involved in peace talks. Various formats are currently under consideration.
Oleksandr Merezhko, head of the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, said this in comments to Ukrinform.
“Europe could theoretically still join the negotiations, but this decision must be made by President Zelensky. The format of these negotiations should be determined solely by Ukraine, as the victim of aggression,” he said.
Merezhko said that after the Munich Security Conference, a specific format for potential negotiations is beginning to take shape.
“It’s clear that two sides will participate — Ukraine and Russia — and the United States will also be involved, but this format could be expanded,” the politician said.
According to him, there have been various proposals for the negotiation format, including the Budapest format, “since guarantees were provided not only by the United States, but also by the United Kingdom, France, and China, which was also involved in the Budapest Memorandum.”
He also stressed that proposals have been made to hold the negotiations within the framework of a Global Peace Summit.
“Different options are being discussed today. One cannot rule out that President Zelensky might decide that it’s appropriate to involve Europe. There is logic and expediency here. But first and foremost, it is the president’s decision,” the MP said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier stated that Ukraine would not accept any bilateral peace talks without its participation. Additionally, it is important for Ukraine that European partners are at the negotiating table.
Source: MP Merezhko says various formats for peace talks are being considered
