Ukraine proposes Europe act as a mediator in an "airport truce" with Russia - media
Kyiv • UNN
Sybiha suggested that Europe initiate an agreement to cease strikes on airports. This step is intended to strengthen diplomacy and involve the EU in the peace process.
Ukraine wants Europe to help revive stalled peace efforts with Russia by taking a first step with a narrow focus: a mutual cessation of attacks on each side's airports. This was reported by Politico, citing Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, according to UNN.
Details
The idea, proposed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, would give European leaders a concrete role in diplomacy at a time when U.S.-led talks between Moscow and Kyiv have slowed, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has shown little desire to strike a broader deal to end the war.
"We probably need a new role for Europe in our peace efforts," Sybiha told POLITICO on the sidelines of an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels. "Maybe we try to solve or reach a so-called airport ceasefire."
The proposal would focus on a limited agreement between Moscow and Kyiv not to strike airports. Sybiha argued that Putin might have an incentive to participate in such a deal, as major Russian transport hubs, including Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport and Saint Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to long-range Ukrainian attacks.
"Maybe our European allies, by creating a platform or perhaps a special group, could discuss (an airport ceasefire)," he said, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already discussed the idea with some European leaders.
The publication notes that Kyiv is not asking Europe to replace Washington. Instead, according to Sybiha, any European effort should reinforce U.S.-led diplomacy and avoid creating competing tracks.
"It should be a (supplementary) track — not instead of it, not an alternative," Sybiha said, adding that Europe must speak with "one voice."
Additionally
The media outlet adds that Sybiha's proposal comes as several European leaders argue that the continent needs a more direct role in diplomacy regarding Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron has raised the possibility of direct talks with Putin, while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told Welt am Sonntag last weekend that Europe must have a seat at the negotiating table. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also told POLITICO last month that refusing to engage with Russia's leadership was a "strategic mistake."
Kallas rejected Schröder's candidacy as an EU negotiator with Putin11.05.26, 12:40 • 3604 views
Senior EU officials have so far been cautious, arguing that Putin has shown no serious intention of ending his war. However, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas opened the door to discussing Europe's role on Monday, stating that foreign ministers would consider the issue at their meeting later this month.
Earlier on Monday, Kallas rejected Putin's suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, a long-time associate of Russian state companies, could act as a mediator on behalf of Europe.