UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK officials urge French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to avoid public pressure on US President Trump before Ukraine talks.
As reported by The Telegraph, British officials have called on EU leaders to halt “unhelpful” public comments ahead of peace talks between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What are officials saying about public comments on Ukraine talks?
Officials are growing worried about public remarks on Ukraine by Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and EU diplomat Kaja Kallas. They worry that pressuring the US president publicly may prompt him to sideline Europe in negotiations.
The warning comes ahead of the meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
A UK official raised concern that European leaders are offering an “unhelpful running commentary” ahead of this week’s talks.
The source added,
“Unlike our European colleagues, we are not publicly out there making demands of the Americans. A lot of the way the Europeans seem to be behaving, they’re going to annoy the Americans, they’re going to annoy Trump if they start making demands and if they put out red lines.”
What is Sir Keir Starmer’s approach to influencing the Ukraine talks?
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has avoided public remarks on the talks since Saturday, 9 August, focusing on behind-the-scenes influence.
During a Monday, 11 August briefing, the Prime Minister’s spokesman did not call for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Alaska talks, despite public requests from EU leaders.
Downing Street insiders have repeatedly argued that influencing President Trump works best through private access instead of public confrontations.
Sir Keir and his team rely on private influence rather than public statements to shape Mr Trump’s views.
What did Friedrich Merz say about Zelensky’s role in the Alaska talks?
The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Mr Zelensky to attend the table talks in Alaska, stating,
“We are preparing intensively at the European level together with the U.S. government for this meeting.”
He added,
“And we hope and assume that the Ukrainian government and President Zelensky will be involved in this meeting.”
What did EU diplomat Kaja Kallas say about the Ukraine peace talks?
Kaja Kallas called for Kyiv to be part of the negotiations, saying,
“We cannot accept that territorial issues between Russia and America are discussed or decided over the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians.”
According to her, the EU is preparing new measures to sanction Russia over its ongoing aggression.
What did Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk say about the Ukraine peace talks?
Emmanuel Macron said,
“Ukraine’s future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians, who have been fighting for their freedom and security for over three years now.”
He added,
“Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution, as their own security is at stake.”
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, added,
“I will wait… for the effects of the meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin – I have many fears and a lot of hope.”
How did Donald Trump respond to calls for Zelensky at the talks?
During a press conference, President Trump rejected calls for President Zelensky to join the talks. He said he would update Mr Zelensky and European leaders on any agreement reached after meeting with Putin.
After tense discussions between President Trump and Zelensky in February, several EU leaders publicly expressed support for Zelensky.
Rather than making a public statement, Mr Starmer issued support by phone to help mend relations.
What did Volodymyr Zelensky say about European support for peace?
Mr Zelensky stated,
“The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people today for the sake of peace in Ukraine, which is defending the vital security interests of our European nations.”
He added,
“Ukraine values and fully supports the statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Starmer, President Ursula von der Leyen, and President Stubb on peace for Ukraine.”
What did EU leaders say about Ukraine’s right to choose its future?
A statement from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission stated,
“We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”
They added, “Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force. The current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.”