Europe Selenskyj discusses the situation with Europeans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has held telephone talks with leading European politicians to discuss ways to achieve peace in the Ukraine war.
21.02.2025, 23:26
21.02.2025, 23:27
SDA
"The most important conclusion is that Europe must and can do much more to ensure that peace is actually achieved," said Zelensky in his evening video address. "We have clear proposals with our partners in Europe, and we can ensure the implementation of the European strategy on this basis, and it is important that this is done together with America."
In addition to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Selenskyj's discussion partners included the presidents or heads of government of Sweden, Poland, Ireland and Croatia.
Under President Donald Trump, the USA has adopted a new tone in its dealings with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin - which has caused great uncertainty in Western countries and in Ukraine itself. Most recently, Washington entered into a dialog with Moscow without involving Kiev.
With regard to the agreement on Ukrainian raw materials sought by the USA, Selensky explained that teams from both countries were working on a draft. "It is an agreement that can enrich our relations, and the most important thing is that we work out the details so that it can work," said Selenskyj, without giving further details.
US President Trump is linking US aid for Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia, to access to its reserves of rare earths. The deposits are considered economically lucrative and strategically important. However, Selenskyj rejected an initial draft agreement from Washington. According to reports, the USA demanded 50 percent of the income from these raw materials and wanted to be paid back for the military aid provided to date.
