Leaders of 5 European Nations Issue Joint Statement: "Support Direct Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine"

The leaders of five European nations (E5)—the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland—announced on June 24 (local time) that they "support proposals for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia with the active participation of the United States and Europe."

Following their meeting in Berlin, Germany, on the afternoon of June 24, the leaders stated in a joint declaration that they "share a common view on the conditions for a just and lasting peace."

They also reaffirmed their "commitment to recognizing Ukraine's contribution to Euro-Atlantic security," expressing their intent to continue exerting economic pressure on Russia through sanctions and providing ongoing support for Ukraine's energy sector.

This position comes amid growing controversy over how Europe should participate in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.

The so-called E3—Germany, France, and the UK—recently reacted strongly against the office of European Council President António Costa after it was revealed that they had held secret meetings with the Russian side, insisting that they, rather than the EU executive branch, should lead the negotiations.

However, even among the leaders who met on June 24, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have been critical of Germany and others for asserting themselves as the E3 and claiming leadership in the negotiations.

In particular, Poland argues that it should play a central role in the negotiations, citing its position on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its role as a logistics hub for aid to Ukraine.

Furthermore, the leaders of the five nations stated in the declaration that they "recognize the essential role the United States continues to play in the (NATO) alliance," pledging to cooperate with the U.S. and expand their defense industries to take greater responsibility for transatlantic security.

The meeting was arranged to consolidate the positions of major European nations ahead of the NATO summit to be held in Ankara, Türkiye, on July 7–8, including addressing U.S. President Donald Trump's demands for security burden-sharing.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is currently visiting the United States, participated via video link.

President Trump has long argued that Europe is "free-riding" on the U.S. security umbrella.

During the NATO summit last year, his first year back in office, President Trump secured a commitment from member states to spend 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on direct and indirect security costs by 2035.

Foreign media outlets predict that President Trump will review whether member states are keeping their defense spending promises at this year's summit.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth further pressured member states at the NATO ministerial meeting on June 18, stating that he would conduct a new six-month review of the issue of U.S. troops stationed in Europe.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.