EU heads of state and government want to keep Europe's security architecture out of the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The Kremlin had earlier said that Russia was open to European states taking part in the talks, provided they were prepared to contribute to the peace process. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called these remarks "the old game" and stressed that Europe and the United States had agreed on a clear message.

Forty European countries signed a declaration stating that any question affecting European security should be decided with the participation of Europeans. EU leaders are largely agreed that Europe must speak with one voice. It remains unclear who should speak for Europe in future negotiations.

Key points:

• The leaders of the European Union (EU) stated that Europe's security architecture must not be the subject of the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
• The Kremlin said that Russia would be open to European countries taking part in the Ukraine peace talks if it saw that they were prepared to contribute to the peace process.
• Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the Kremlin's remarks "the old game".

Source: The Express Tribune (Pakistan) (English)