Home » World » Three EU countries back peace talks between Ukraine and Russia – Reuters

Three EU countries back peace talks between Ukraine and Russia – Reuters

Hungary opposes a planned oil embargo and Cyprus is concerned about a proposed ban on property sales to Russian citizens.

Italy and Hungary called on the EU to clearly advocate for a ceasefire in Ukraine and peace talks with the aggressor country, at odds with other member states determined to take a hard line on Moscow ahead of the next summit.

This is reported Reuters.

It is noted that in the draft final statement of the summit on May 30-31, and dated May 19, the European Union is described as “unwavering in its commitment to help Ukraine realize its inalienable right to self-defense against Russian aggression.” It does not mention peace talks.

At a meeting of EU representatives on Friday, May 20, the Italian ambassador proposed changing the text, noting that it should refer to peace talks and list an immediate ceasefire as one of the EU’s first goals, according to people who attended the meeting.

This proposal was supported by Hungary and Cyprus, which are among the states most critical of the new package of EU sanctions against Russia, which has been blocked for a long time due to internal disagreements.

Hungary opposes a planned oil embargo and Cyprus is concerned about a proposed ban on property sales to Russian citizens.

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At the same time, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, during her speech at the forum in Davos on Tuesday, took a hawkish stance towards Russia and did not mention the peace talks.

“Ukraine must win this war, and Putin’s aggression must be a strategic failure,” she said.

In the latest draft conclusions of the summit, the EU “remains committed to strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

The Baltic states and Poland are among the strongest hardliners, diplomats said, while Latvia called for even clearer language to bolster military support.

The revised draft is to be presented later after the EU meeting, one diplomat said.

As you know, last week Italy proposed a peace plan, which will involve the United Nations, the EU and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe as intermediaries to initially organize a localized ceasefire.

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