The European Union has commented on rumors that Russia is ready to freeze the war. EU countries stated that if Putin is indeed ready to stop the hostilities in Ukraine, he can withdraw his army from there right now. The EU also emphasizes that it does not plan to weaken military support for Ukraine.
“If Putin is indeed ready to stop the hostilities in Ukraine, he can withdraw his army right now. The European Union does not plan to weaken military support for Ukraine,” an EU official commented anonymously on the Reuters publication.
“Everything can end tomorrow if he withdraws his troops”
The EU states that the strategy of assisting Ukraine will not change. The source acknowledges that the EU must supply weapons and ammunition faster compared to the growing needs of Ukraine. And although Putin is trying to increase weapon production in Russia and procure them from North Korea or Iran, the EU responds to this through sanctions and thanks to the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition from third countries.
“I think our position at the EU level has not changed. And together with our partners from the US, we will continue to provide all the necessary support that Ukraine needs to avoid any failure and defeat, which would be catastrophic not only for Ukraine but also for us,” said a high-ranking EU diplomat.
Another senior European official stated that the war could end right now if Putin withdraws his troops. “Putin started this war, he attacked Ukraine. He bombards Ukrainian cities daily. Everything can end tomorrow if he withdraws his troops (from Ukraine),” the official responded to the Reuters publication about Putin’s “readiness” to freeze the war.
What the Foreign Ministry Says
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine explained the purpose of anonymous statements from Russian sources about Putin’s alleged readiness to freeze the war along the current contact line.
- Kuleba rhetorically asked why hostile sources suddenly inform the media that the dictator is ready to stop the war along the current contact line. In fact, it’s very simple. “Putin is desperately trying to disrupt the Peace Summit in Switzerland. He fears its success. His entourage is sending these false signals about alleged readiness for a ceasefire, despite the fact that Russian troops continue to brutally attack Ukraine,” emphasized Dmytro Kuleba.
- The diplomat also noted that at the moment, Putin has no desire to cease aggression. Only a principled and united voice of the global majority can force him to choose peace over war.
- “This is what the Peace Summit is meant to achieve. That’s why he fears it so much,” explained the Foreign Minister. He added that it is crucial for as many leaders from all continents and parts of the world to attend the Summit.
- “When the whole world speaks out in support of restoring the full force of the UN Charter and international law, Russia will be forced to choose peace,” Kuleba noted.
