EU confirms to US its unwavering support for Ukraine during talks in Miami
The European Union during peace talks in Miami on October 9 confirmed to the American side its full and unwavering support for Ukraine. Brussels stressed that the EU intends to continue participating in diplomatic efforts to end the war, but advocates for a just and sustainable peace.
This was stated on Monday, October 12, by the main spokesperson of the European Commission, Paula Pinho, during a briefing in Brussels.
According to her, representatives of the European Commission participated directly in the meetings in Miami together with the Ukrainian delegation, American negotiators, representatives of European states, and NATO.
"First and foremost, it is about conveying our very clear position on Ukraine to the US. This was done already on Friday during the talks in Miami with American partners, where we were present at the negotiating table and reaffirmed our full and unwavering support for Ukraine,"— Pinho said.
EU explains goals of talks
The European Commission spokesperson emphasized that the main goal of the meeting was to advance diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.
She said that the European side views its participation in the talks as a positive step, since all participants officially share the goal of achieving peace.
"The goal was to advance efforts to achieve a durable and lasting peace. That is in line with our objectives,"— Pinho noted.
However, she declined to reveal the content of specific proposals discussed in Miami and details of possible agreements.
In particular, the European Commission spokesperson did not give a direct answer to journalists' question whether American negotiators demanded that European partners pressure Kyiv to stop Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Pinho also did not comment on possible differences between the European and American sides regarding further strategy to end the war.
Talks took place amid new US-Russia agreements
The new round of talks took place on October 9 in Miami. The US side was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The meetings also included Ukrainian representatives and high-level diplomats from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the EU, and NATO.
According to Axios reports, the sides discussed American proposals to end the war, including a possible partial ceasefire, security guarantees for Ukraine, and post-war reconstruction.
However, the talks took place against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's decision to make a deal with Vladimir Putin on supplies of Russian diesel fuel to the US and world markets.
Washington's decision was objected to by Kyiv and European partners, since easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could lead to additional revenue for the Russian budget.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the agreement, saying it contradicts efforts to increase pressure on Russia.
EU intends to maintain sanctions pressure
Commenting on the arrangements between Washington and Moscow, Pinho stressed that the European Union's position on Russian energy remains unchanged.
She said the EU continues to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and has no intention to abandon the current sanctions regime.
"We know too well the price of dependence on Russian imports. We will continue to follow the established course,"— the European Commission spokesperson said.
Pinho added that European sanctions remain in effect, and additional restrictive measures against Russia are being discussed in the EU Council.
Brussels' goal is to step up economic pressure on Moscow, not to weaken it.
Brussels expects real steps by Russia towards ceasefire
Additionally, the European Commission spokesperson commented on the energy truce initiative between Ukraine and Russia announced by Donald Trump.
She noted that the European Union would welcome a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure, but does not yet see confirmation of the implementation of such an agreement.
According to Pinho, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness for Ukraine to participate in such a ceasefire, but similar actions from Russia have not followed.
Moreover, Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure continued even after the US president's announcement.
The European Commission spokesperson stressed that Brussels will continue to cooperate with Washington and other international partners to end the war.
Pinho also reported that support for Ukraine will remain one of the central topics of European discussions this week.
However, following the talks in Miami, no full-fledged peace agreement was announced and no specific timelines for ending hostilities were agreed upon.
Based on materials from: the European Commission, European Pravda, Axios.