🌍 Big moves from Brussels to Washington! EU leaders just wrapped a virtual powwow to plot their role in Ukraine peace talks after meeting with the US and Ukrainian chiefs. Here's the lowdown:
- Security on the agenda: Ursula von der Leyen told the online EU meeting that progress is brewing on strong security guarantees for Ukraine—think of it like signing up for a safety net, so Ukraine can spring back stronger.
- Backing Kyiv 100%: European Council President Antonio Costa said Ukraine is top priority 🔝—from beefing up its army to fast-tracking EU membership talks, Brussels wants in on the peace deal.
- Next-level sanctions? The UK is teaming up with Europe and the US in the 'Coalition of the Willing' to ramp up pressure on Russia if needed, even prepping a standby force for post-conflict vibes.
- Real talk from Slovakia: PM Robert Fico said Ukraine joining NATO is a no-go and that any peace plan has to talk land deals—tough pill for Kyiv.
- US check-in: Ex-President Trump gave a thumbs-up on potential peace but made it clear Europe could send troops—America's sending other support, not boots on ground.
- Russia's view: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov didn't shut the door on either one-on-one or three-way talks, so keep an eye out 👀.
What's next? If you're in Kuala Lumpur or Chennai, remember global stability affects tech supply chains, start-up funding rounds, and even your streaming binge schedule. Stay tuned as the EU fights to stay at the negotiation table—because peace in Europe ripples across continents!
Reference(s):
EU leaders stress role in Ukraine peace talks after Washington meeting
cgtn.com
