European leaders united on Monday to assert Ukraine’s central role in resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected any peace negotiations excluding Kyiv and EU partners. The statements came during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s diplomatic tour across Europe this week.
At a joint press conference in Paris, Macron emphasized that “no agreement on security guarantees, frozen assets, or EU accession can be finalized without European involvement.” Zelenskyy echoed the sentiment, stressing Ukraine’s commitment to ending the conflict “in a dignified manner” while acknowledging territorial disputes as a critical challenge.
In Berlin, Merz reinforced the stance alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, declaring opposition to “dictated peace” solutions. The leaders highlighted coordinated efforts to bolster European security frameworks, with Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics similarly advocating for Europe’s inclusion in negotiations.
The discussions coincide with heightened diplomatic activity, including consultations with U.S. representatives, as global attention turns to evolving peace proposals. Analysts suggest the unified European position aims to counterbalance external mediation efforts while addressing Kyiv’s demand for long-term security assurances.
