US President Trump plans to refocus on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict post-Middle East crisis. EU officials are reportedly unsettled, fearing being sidelined by direct US-Moscow negotiations. Talks stalled in March, with key disagreements over Donbass.
At the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, leaders are focusing on pressuring Russia to end the war in Ukraine. European nations are seeking to align with US President Donald Trump on increased support for Kyiv, while also discussing a framework peace deal with Iran.
G7 leaders have urged Donald Trump to host potential peace talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war. Trump expressed willingness to mediate, while Zelenskyy seeks a US role beyond messenger to a supportive mediator. Sanctions on Russian energy are also being intensified.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Turkey's readiness to host further Russia-Ukraine peace talks, emphasizing diplomacy as the sole resolution path. He expressed concern over the war's escalation and potential spread, particularly attacks impacting Black Sea navigation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on a potential peace agreement with Ukraine at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded with an open letter proposing direct negotiations and a personal meeting to end the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a ceasefire is not necessary to begin negotiations for ending the conflict in Ukraine. He made these remarks during a meeting with heads of international news agencies.
Russia's special representative for investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Europe and the UK are hindering peace in Ukraine by interfering with Russia's proposed terms.
Hungary's Prime Minister has offered Budapest as a potential venue for negotiations between parties involved in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that arms supplies do not guarantee security and advocating for diplomatic solutions.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that Hungary could serve as a venue for negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, offering diplomatic and humanitarian aid. He emphasized that only the international community can provide security guarantees for Kyiv, as Hungary is not a major power in this regard.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated his country is prepared to assist in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict and could potentially host peace talks. He emphasized that Hungary cannot provide security guarantees to Kyiv, as this is the responsibility of major global powers.
Turkey hopes for the resumption of active negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement, a Turkish diplomatic source told RIA Novosti. Ankara will monitor a potential visit by US Special Representative Steve Witkoff to Moscow, believing that contacts between Russia and the US could facilitate the process.
Europe is discussing potential envoys for future peace talks with Russia, including Angela Merkel, Mario Draghi, and Sauli Niinistö. This discussion, though premature, highlights Europe's increasing leverage in the Ukraine war as US support wanes and Ukraine's domestic defense industry grows.
The EU is considering appointing a special envoy to represent Europe in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This move aims to prevent a scenario where a peace deal is brokered solely between the US and Russia, bypassing European interests. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed support for greater European involvement.
Pentagon intelligence suggests President Zelensky's refusal to cede territory to Russia is blocking peace negotiations. Reports indicate territorial disputes and security guarantees remain key obstacles, preventing ceasefires or peace deals.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev urged Europe to initiate diplomatic negotiations with Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach combining military, economic, and diplomatic tools.
Zelenskyy makes first visit to Azerbaijan since Russia's 2022 invasion, offering trilateral peace talks in Baku while confirming Ukrainian military experts deployed for anti-drone cooperation. Ukraine ready to meet Russia in Azerbaijan, but not in Russia or Belarus. Security and energy deals signed with Aliyev, who recalled Russia's deliberate attacks on Azerbaijan's Kyiv embassy and energy infrastructure.
