Zelensky insists on EU involvement in talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the European Union should not stand aside from the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia initiated by the USA. He made such a statement after a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"The war is taking place in Europe, and Ukraine is an integral part of Europe, we are already negotiating to join the EU. Therefore, Europe should be a participant in the relevant processes," Zelensky emphasised.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump informed Zelensky and European leaders of his intention to hold a meeting with Vladimir Putin and then organise a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelensky.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not take part in the phone call with Trump, but she was briefed on the details of the talks by several EU leaders, according to a spokesperson, Politico reported.

The Kremlin confirmed Thursday that the two leaders are scheduled to meet in the coming days.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that after special envoy Steve Whitkoff met with Putin, Washington had a better understanding of the terms on which Moscow is willing to end the war.

"Now we need to compare that with what the Ukrainians and our European allies are willing to accept, but, of course, above all the Ukrainians. We need to understand how possible it is to bring these positions closer together," Rubio said on Fox Business.

According to him, if it is possible to reach a point of convergence between the demands of Ukraine and Russia, the US president could organise a meeting between Putin and Zelensky to try to end the war.

Diplomatic activity intensified after Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent duty on Russian oil imports to India, increasing pressure on Putin. The US is expected to announce new sanctions against Russia on Friday, although some reports suggest Putin may have offered Trump a limited truce to delay the new measures.

"Russia seems to be more inclined to a ceasefire now," Zelensky said in a Wednesday evening address. "The pressure is working," he added, but cautioned, "The main thing is not to let them fool anyone about the details - neither us nor the United States."

Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine wants to agree positions with European partners before any high-level meetings.

"Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same bold approach from the Russian side. It is time to put an end to the war. Thank you to everyone who is helping," he noted.