EU leaders push for Ukraine to be a part of Trump-Putin talks

Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday to discuss how the war could be ended.

TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS will join his European counterparts in pushing for Ukraine to be involved in any talks concerning its future.

It follows the White House announcement that Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday to discuss how the war could be ended.

Simon Harris will attend the Foreign Affairs Council today where he is to discuss escalating concerns regarding both Gaza and Ukraine. He is to tell attendees that this is a “pivotal moment” for both wars.

Speaking about Ukraine ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said: “We welcome all genuine efforts to arrive at a just and lasting peace, one that upholds the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, and does not reward aggression.

Ireland has always been clear that there can be no decisions about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

He said that it’s also a matter of European security.

“I look forward to discussing with my EU counterparts how best we can continue to support Ukraine and ensure that it enters negotiations from a position of strength,” Harris said.

He added that they will urge the US to work for a negotiated and fair peace – “one that ensures the future prosperity of Ukraine”.

The White House has said it would be “open’ to Zelenskyy being part of talks, but no official invitation had been sent as of the weekend.

Gaza

Harris is expected to say that Israel’s decision to intensify the invasion of the Gaza Strip is “alarming” and will cause untold devastation for innocent civilians.

Yesterday, the Tánaiste joined a number of Foreign Affairs ministers and signed a letter with Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain, strongly condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to expand the occupation of Gaza city.

Israel’s security cabinet approved the plan last week.