Leaders of leading European states have agreed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the current front line should be the starting point for any territorial discussions.
Modern.az reports that, according to information released by the German government, this was stated in a declaration issued after a telephone conversation between Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In particular, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering and full support for Ukraine on the path to a lasting and just peace. At the same time, Merz, Macron, Starmer, and Zelenskyy welcomed the efforts of the United States to end the war.
The leaders stated their support for providing reliable security guarantees to Ukraine. They agreed to closely coordinate their actions with each other and other European partners, as well as with Washington.
The statement notes that "they agreed to pursue the goal of protecting vital European and Ukrainian interests in the long term. This includes the contact line remaining the starting point for achieving any mutual understanding, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces having the capability to effectively defend Ukraine's sovereignty".
At the same time, the leaders agreed that any agreement concerning European states, the European Union, or NATO would require the approval of European partners and a consensus among allies.
In turn, Zelenskyy thanked Macron, Starmer, and Merz on Telegram for their principled support for Ukraine and all Ukrainians.
"We discussed a peace plan for Ukraine and all of Europe. We highly appreciate the efforts of the United States, President Trump, and his team to end this war. We are working on a document prepared by the American side. This should be a plan that will ensure a true and dignified peace", Zelenskyy emphasized.
