Ukraine seeks peace but not at any cost: EU Ambassador Maternova’s stance on the war
Ahead of the scheduled meeting between U.S.
President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on August 15 at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska, European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Maternova, voiced her firm position regarding the current situation in Ukraine.
She emphasized that Ukraine’s future and the conditions for ending the war must be decided solely by Ukraine itself, supported by its allies and the international community.
The summit, which will involve U.S.
and Russian officials, is taking place without Ukraine and other European countries’ participation, raising concerns and disappointment among Ukrainian diplomats and the public.
Maternova pointed out that while the world awaits the outcomes of these negotiations, Russia continues its aggressive actions: just last night, seven civilians were killed and nine injured in Kherson region, over a hundred homes were destroyed, and a Russian drone attack injured three officers during rescue operations.
She stressed that had it not been for the personal qualities of the U.S.
President, his role in deterring aggression might be questioned, and Putin might have seized all of Ukraine.
Maternova called on the world to refrain from intervening in Ukraine’s pursuit of peace and security without providing concrete guarantees.
She reiterated that all decisions concerning Ukraine’s future should be made by Ukrainians themselves, in cooperation with their defenders, with security guarantees that will secure lasting peace and prevent further aggression.
Ukraine desires peace but not at any cost, and it is crucial to remember this principled stance during the upcoming leaders’ meeting in Alaska, to honor those who have fallen due to Russian attacks and to establish conditions for sustainable peace and independence.