Ukraine, Europe Set Red Lines for Russia Talks, Demand Ceasefire

Prior to the meeting with Putin in Alaska, the President held a video conference with several European leaders, including the President of Ukraine, to establish a set of "red lines" for the negotiations. The leaders agreed that the immediate goal would be to push for an immediate ceasefire, rather than discussing territorial issues. The President warned that if Russia refused to stop the fighting, it would face "very severe consequences."

Following the meeting, the leaders of Germany and France stated that the President had clearly stated that territorial issues would not be discussed during this meeting and that any territorial discussions would be left to Ukraine and Russia to negotiate directly. As part of a potential peace agreement, Ukraine would receive security guarantees that would not involve NATO, but the U.S. and Europe could provide other forms of security assurances. The atmosphere of the talks was described as constructive.

Europe and Ukraine presented five red lines to the President: first, a ceasefire must be the precondition for any further negotiations; second, any territorial discussions must start from the current front lines; third, Western security guarantees must be binding and accepted by Russia; fourth, Ukraine must be involved in the negotiations; and fifth, any agreement must be supported by the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine. They emphasized that while they would not legally recognize occupied territories, they could acknowledge the factual status as part of the negotiation basis.

In Berlin, the President of Ukraine and the German Chancellor held a joint press conference, stating that all parties were in agreement on the negotiations with Russia. The President of Ukraine expressed his willingness to meet directly with Putin and indicated a willingness to discuss sensitive issues such as territory, but emphasized that negotiations must start from the current front lines and that "any issues related to Ukraine can only be discussed with Ukraine." In order to advance the talks, Europe had initially sought to participate directly in the Alaska meeting, but after discussions with the President, they dropped this request. The President agreed to meet with Putin first, and then report the results to the President of Ukraine and European leaders.

Prior to the meeting, Russia reiterated its unchanged position: Ukraine must relinquish control of four regions. Despite initial concerns from Europe about a potential U.S.-Russia "deal," cross-Atlantic communication has recently intensified. Participants in the meeting stated that the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and the Presidential envoy team had frequent consultations with European counterparts, expressing their commitment to work closely with Europe to achieve a ceasefire and a "fair final settlement." Russia indicated that if the Alaska meeting went smoothly, a second meeting could be held on Russian territory.