European ministers assert that any peace agreement in Ukraine must involve both European nations and Ukraine, rejecting external decisions made without their participation.
At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders emphasized the necessity of including Europe and Ukraine in any peace negotiations concerning the ongoing conflict. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated, “There won’t be any lasting peace if it’s not a European-agreed peace,” highlighting Europe’s critical role in regional security.
Baerbock further criticized unilateral actions, noting that a superficial peace imposed without the involvement of Ukrainians and Europeans would fail to provide lasting security. She stressed the importance of robust security guarantees for Ukraine, a strong NATO alliance, and progress in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Europe has been at the forefront of resisting full-scale invasions and must continue to bolster its defense capabilities. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also underscored the persistent threat Russia poses to European democracy and stability, advocating for increased defense spending to address these challenges.
The conference highlighted a unified stance among European nations: any resolution to the Ukrainian conflict must be achieved through collective effort, ensuring that the interests and security of both Ukraine and Europe are safeguarded.