Ukraine Seeks European Role in Airport Ceasefire Plan

Ukraine has proposed a limited step to revive peace talks with Russia: a mutual halt to attacks on airports. The initiative was presented by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who said Europe needed a new role in peace efforts.

Speaking in Brussels, Sybiha said Europe could create a special platform or ad hoc group, Politico reported. A limited compromise of this kind could be acceptable to Moscow, as major Russian airports have become increasingly vulnerable to long-range Ukrainian attacks.

Ukraine stressed that it was not seeking to replace US mediation. Sybiha said Europe should speak with a “unified voice” and support existing Washington-led diplomacy. He also said EU accession remained a basic security guarantee for Kyiv ahead of any future peace deal.

The debate over greater European involvement comes as several European leaders discuss the need for a more direct EU role in negotiations with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron has already raised the possibility of direct contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has acknowledged that Europe should be part of the negotiating process.

EU foreign ministers on Monday rejected the Kremlin’s suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who has been criticized for his ties to Russia, should mediate the talks.

(max)