Poland Urges Inclusion in Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Western Europe Moves
Poland's Position and Reactions to Western Europe Peace Initiatives
Polish Prime Minister Calls for Involvement in Ukraine Discussions
WARSAW, June 9 (Reuters) - Poland should be involved in discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, the Polish prime minister said on Tuesday, after the leaders of Britain, Germany and France met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in London and said they supported ceasefire talks.
Concerns Over Exclusion from Key Peace Talks
Prime Minister Donald Tusk's absence from the talks in London has raised questions in Warsaw as to whether Poland is being sidelined as Western European powers try to steer Kyiv towards talks with Moscow in the near future.
Tusk's Cautious Approach to Western European Dialogue with Russia
"I'm... very cautious regarding the ideas emerging in Western Europe about initiating some kind of dialogue or conversation with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin regarding Ukraine as quickly as possible," Tusk told a news conference.
Poland's Support for Ukraine and NATO Commitments
Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, its eastern neighbour, in its more than four-year-old war against invading Russian forces, contributing financial and military help. It has also emerged as one of the biggest spenders on defence in NATO.
International Reactions and Statements
Joint Statement by Britain, Germany, and France
In a joint statement on Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron commended Zelenskiy's call for an end to the war and the proposal for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with active U.S. and European participation.
Criticism of the 'E3' Format
Tusk also expressed dissatisfaction with the 'E3' format which comprises Britain, France and Germany but excludes Ukraine's other European allies.
Italy's Position on the E3 Format
"I spoke with (Italy's) Prime Minister (Giorgia) Meloni, who is not thrilled that this format exists," Tusk said. "Any arrangements in which Poland does not participate will not be binding on Poland."
Upcoming Talks Including Poland and Italy
Tusk said a meeting would take place on Ukraine in the "coming days" that would include Poland and Italy as well as Britain, Germany and France.
(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz, Anna Wlodarczak-SemczukEditing by Gareth Jones)
