UPDATE - EU Parliament voices concern about US approach to Ukraine-Russia peace talks

ADDS EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Parliament has expressed concern Tuesday about the approach of the US toward peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, warning that Washington appears to prioritize "short-term dealmaking and the preservation of strategic stability" with Moscow over "genuine negotiations," leading to a comprehensive and lasting peace based on international law.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) stressed in a resolution that was adopted that any peace agreement must uphold robust security guarantees for Kyiv, respect Ukraine's sovereignty and ensure accountability for crimes committed during the conflict.

While acknowledging the efforts of the US to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the MEPs were concerned that "ill-considered" promises to deliver a peace process within a fixed timeframe could negatively affect Ukraine and undermine long-term stability in Europe.

"(The European Parliament) expresses its concern about the US approach towards peace talks, which appears to prioritize short-term dealmaking and the preservation of ‘strategic stability’ with Russia over genuine peace talks leading to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of international law," the statement said.

The resolution urged the EU and member states to work closely with Washington and like-minded partners to ensure that negotiations are conducted in good faith and aim at definitively ending the war.

"Russia's continued attacks do not indicate its readiness for genuine peace talks; highlights the negative impact on Ukraine of ill-considered promises to deliver a peace process within a specific timeframe," it said.

Separately, in a joint statement, EU leaders stressed that "no country can annex its neighbor and that borders cannot be changed by force," warning that "the aggressor must not be rewarded."

They reiterated that a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine must be based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, with full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"In the current challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine," the statement said.

The leaders affirmed that the EU will continue to provide comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.

They highlighted that the EU has stood firmly with Ukraine since the first day and remains committed to supporting Kyiv in defending its independence and rebuilding the country.

The statement also emphasized the bloc's determination to increase pressure on Russia, saying: "Putin's war of attrition is steadily wearing Russia down, and we are determined to put further pressure on Russia to stop its aggression and engage in meaningful negotiations towards peace."

Reaffirming Ukraine's European future, the EU leaders said the country can count on the bloc's full support in its accession process and post-war reconstruction efforts.