Five principles agreed to guide Ukraine peace negotiations, Zelenskyy says

In a pivotal video conference involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and key European leaders, five joint principles aimed at bringing an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine were agreed upon, Zelenskyy announced during a joint press briefing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“Before this coordination call, we agreed on five common principles. This is the negotiation format. Everything concerning Ukraine must be discussed exclusively with Ukraine. We must prepare a trilateral format of talks,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing Ukraine’s central role in any peace discussions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Highlighting the critical need for security and stability, Zelenskyy underscored that “there must first be a ceasefire and truly reliable security guarantees.” He noted that President Trump expressed support for these principles, affirming America’s readiness to participate. “Also among the agreed principles is that Russia cannot have a veto over Ukraine’s European and NATO aspirations,” Zelenskyy added, reiterating Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine its own future.

Zelenskyy further stressed the importance of coupling peace negotiations with sustained pressure on Russia. “Sanctions must be in place and must be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Alaska. These are effective principles, and it is important that they work,” he said, pointing to the necessity of a firm stance to compel Russia toward peace.

The video conference was convened ahead of the highly anticipated meeting between Presidents Trump and Vladimir Putin scheduled for August 15 in Alaska — a summit that notably excludes Ukraine’s participation. European leaders had expressed concerns that this bilateral summit might determine the future of Ukraine and European security without Kyiv’s direct involvement.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that during the call, Trump conveyed his intent to seek an agreement with Putin to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine.

By publicly outlining these five agreed principles, Zelenskyy and his European counterparts aimed to reaffirm Ukraine’s indispensable role in peace negotiations and ensure that any resolution respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and aspirations.

By Vafa Guliyeva