If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu: Europe insists on Ukraine’s participation in the peace talks beteen the US and Russia.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded everyone of the fundamental principle – “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine”. He believes Kyiv should be involved in the upcoming peace talks. According to him, the American side promised to coordinate its positions with European partners before talks took place between the US and Russian presidents. Therefore, the allies are jointly developing a strategy to prevent Russia from emerging from the conflict stronger and with a sense of impunity for violating international norms.

The Polish Defense Minister also said that the participation of the Ukrainian president in the planned meeting between the US and Russian presidents would be “the best solution”, an idea supported by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“We cannot accept that territorial issues between Russia and America are resolved through the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians. Europeans do not want and should not remain on the sidelines when it comes to a crucial strategic issue for the future of Europe”, Merz said.

Former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace believes that an EU contingent should also be at these negotiations to ensure that Ukraine is not forced into an unsatisfactory agreement.

The Nordic-Baltic Group of Eight has warned against making peace without considering Ukraine’s position and Europe’s security. It is reported that Zelenskyy and European leaders will still hold an online conversation with Trump on August 13, on the eve of his meeting with Putin.