The foreign ministers of Spain, France and Germany insisted on Wednesday that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine must involve Kyiv and its European allies.
The meeting of foreign ministers in Paris followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he had agreed to initiate immediate peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ministers and their delegations from Spain, Poland, Germany, France, the UK and Ukraine had gathered in Paris to discuss Ukraine ahead of the upcoming Munich Security Conference, asserting that any prospective peace agreement must be forged with the participation of Ukraine and its European partners.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, highlighted Europe’s critical role in securing a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace for Ukraine, stating, ‘Ukraine security and European security are indivisible.’
Germany’s Annalena Baerbock and Spain’s José Manuel Albares both told the meeting that no decision on Ukraine could be made ‘without Ukraine’ and called on EU countries to show unity on this question.
Albares added: ‘We want peace for Ukraine but we want an unjust war to end with a just peace.’
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, addressing the media upon his arrival, reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to seeking increased military aid for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions.
He also outlined the importance of cooperation with the US on helping to defend Europe but stressed countries in Europe need to do ‘more and more’ to improve their own defence.
‘There is no better guarantee for the security of our continent than close transatlantic cooperation,’ Sikorski said. ‘But Europe should do more and more for its own defence, both for the sake of the alliance and our own sakes.’
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: ‘There will be no just and durable peace in Ukraine without Europeans,’ following the meeting.
Tras la reunión del G5+ estamos determinados a reforzar la seguridad europea, garantizar el bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos y defender nuestros valores.
No puede haber paz justa en Ucrania sin los europeos. pic.twitter.com/djR34Zq49a
— José Manuel Albares (@jmalbares) February 12, 2025
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