UK, US stress urgency of including Zelenskyy in peace negotiations with Russia

British Foreign Minister David Lammy and U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the importance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy being included in any peace talks aimed at resolving the war with Russia.

Both leaders agreed that a lasting peace could only be achieved through a negotiated settlement, with Lammy highlighting that Zelenskyy and Ukraine must be part of the process, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, Lammy expressed his optimism following discussions with Vance, stating, "All of us have this desire to bring this horrendous war to an end. We share the view that there has to be an enduring peace," 

The comments come amid a complex geopolitical backdrop, which has seen U.S. President Donald Trump stoke controversy by announcing talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week. Lammy, however, played down any immediate breakthrough, commenting, "These are just talks at the moment. We are some way from a negotiated peace."

In a related development, German Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz joined the conversation at the Munich conference, proposing that a ceasefire agreement be reached in Ukraine before formal negotiations with Russia commence.

Merz, sharing his views on social media platform X, echoed the sentiments of both Lammy and Vance, emphasizing the need for swift action to end the conflict. "We also shared the view that the war should end as soon as possible," Merz said.

The idea of a ceasefire was presented as a confidence-building measure, intended to pave the way for further dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. Merz noted the vital role of close cooperation between the U.S. and Europe in reaching a lasting resolution.

As discussions continue, the call for peace in Ukraine remains a key focus of international diplomatic efforts.

By Aghakazim Guliyev