The UK's Defence Secretary, John Healey, has issued a firm warning that there can be no negotiation about Ukraine's future without the direct involvement of Ukrainian officials.
Speaking ahead of a Nato defence ministers' meeting in Brussels, Healey emphasized the importance of Ukraine's voice in any discussions aimed at ending the ongoing war. His comments come in response to recent developments, including a surprise announcement from US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding their intent to initiate peace talks.
"We've seen the calls from President Trump overnight, and we all want to see a durable peace and no return to conflict and aggression," Healey told reporters. However, he stressed that Russia remains a threat beyond Ukraine, highlighting the need for caution and unity among Nato members.
The prospect of negotiations has stirred concerns about Nato's cohesion, as Trump's unilateral announcement has caught many allies off guard. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed that he and Putin had agreed to have their respective teams begin negotiations immediately. However, no specific timeline for a face-to-face meeting has been established.
As the Brussels meeting approaches, Nato leaders face the challenge of maintaining a united front while ensuring that Ukraine remains central to any potential resolution. Healey concluded, "My message... will be that there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine, and Ukraine's voice must be at the heart of any talks."
The international community will be watching closely as events unfold, with the hope that any peace agreement will lead to lasting stability in the region.
The head of the Nato Alliance, Mark Rutte, continues efforts to maintain a unified stance, urging member nations to increase military support for Kyiv and ensure Ukraine's involvement in any peace discussions. However, the reality on the ground suggests that Washington now holds the reins.
A single phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has significantly shifted the diplomatic landscape. Their planned follow-up meeting has left Nato largely sidelined, as global attention turns to the two leaders and their potential roadmap for peace.
Despite this development, some defence ministers are keen to emphasize that the core principles remain unchanged. UK Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the alliance's commitment to Ukraine's defence, stating that Nato's primary objective remains to keep Ukraine in the fight and position it for a sustainable, strength-based peace.
Healey underscored the importance of continued unity, noting, "We must stay focused on providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself and secure a just and lasting peace."
The upcoming Nato meeting in Brussels is expected to address these concerns, with member nations seeking to reaffirm their collective resolve amid the evolving diplomatic dynamics.
Speaking ahead of a Nato defence ministers' meeting in Brussels, Healey emphasized the importance of Ukraine's voice in any discussions aimed at ending the ongoing war. His comments come in response to recent developments, including a surprise announcement from US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding their intent to initiate peace talks.
"We've seen the calls from President Trump overnight, and we all want to see a durable peace and no return to conflict and aggression," Healey told reporters. However, he stressed that Russia remains a threat beyond Ukraine, highlighting the need for caution and unity among Nato members.
The prospect of negotiations has stirred concerns about Nato's cohesion, as Trump's unilateral announcement has caught many allies off guard. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed that he and Putin had agreed to have their respective teams begin negotiations immediately. However, no specific timeline for a face-to-face meeting has been established.
As the Brussels meeting approaches, Nato leaders face the challenge of maintaining a united front while ensuring that Ukraine remains central to any potential resolution. Healey concluded, "My message... will be that there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine, and Ukraine's voice must be at the heart of any talks."
The international community will be watching closely as events unfold, with the hope that any peace agreement will lead to lasting stability in the region.
The head of the Nato Alliance, Mark Rutte, continues efforts to maintain a unified stance, urging member nations to increase military support for Kyiv and ensure Ukraine's involvement in any peace discussions. However, the reality on the ground suggests that Washington now holds the reins.
A single phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has significantly shifted the diplomatic landscape. Their planned follow-up meeting has left Nato largely sidelined, as global attention turns to the two leaders and their potential roadmap for peace.
Despite this development, some defence ministers are keen to emphasize that the core principles remain unchanged. UK Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the alliance's commitment to Ukraine's defence, stating that Nato's primary objective remains to keep Ukraine in the fight and position it for a sustainable, strength-based peace.
Healey underscored the importance of continued unity, noting, "We must stay focused on providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself and secure a just and lasting peace."
The upcoming Nato meeting in Brussels is expected to address these concerns, with member nations seeking to reaffirm their collective resolve amid the evolving diplomatic dynamics.
