Peace agreement between Ukraine, Russia should in no way provide for freezing of war – Croatian PM
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic says it is unacceptable for Russia to retain control over the occupied territories of Ukraine, and that a freeze in the war is unacceptable as a result of the peace talks under discussion.
Plenkovic said on Thursday at the Ukrainian Breakfast in Davos, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, that with all due respect to the new impetus of President Trump's administration, everyone should want to start negotiations and engage. He warned against falling into the trap of political naivety. He added that he fully agreed on strengthening Ukraine as much as possible, sticking to their principles, and ensuring that, whenever and whatever peace agreement is concluded, it will not leave the current occupied territories in a frozen conflict and give them another opportunity.
He noted that European countries should participate in peace negotiations, but Ukraine should be the main player in them.
The Croatian Prime Minister emphasized that he believed Europe should be at the negotiating table, with Ukraine being the main player. He suggested that if a ceasefire is reached, it should involve a gradual, peaceful integration of Europe. He stated that, based on the experience of his own country 30 years ago, this would be the only solution. He added that no one wanted more victims, deaths, refugees, or destruction, and that Ukrainians, as well as everyone else, knew this. However, he stressed that the plan had to be truly complete, not just the first step.
At the same time, he noted the rise to power in European countries of political forces that allegedly advocate peace. He pointed out that everyone advocates peace, but there is a difference and a nuance: whether they advocate for peace that will then impose sanctions on the aggressor and leave the currently illegally occupied and annexed territories permanently under Russian control, or whether they will adhere to the basic principles of the international order, namely respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the existence of their neighbors.
