Reference News Network, August 10 report - According to the website of the U.S. "New York Times" on August 9, European and Ukrainian leaders met with senior U.S. officials in the suburbs of London on the 9th, out of concern that they might be marginalized at the upcoming summit between U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin, in order to understand Putin's position and ensure that Trump understands the stakes involved.

Two European officials who were aware of the meeting but wished to remain anonymous said that during the meeting, all European parties demonstrated support for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and made it clear to express their views, urging Trump to consider their common position.

These two European officials said that European countries have consistently supported Ukraine's position, insisting on the following points: any negotiations regarding territorial changes must be conditional on a ceasefire; Ukraine will not cede territory not yet occupied by Russia to Moscow; any agreement must include security guarantees, including those from the United States.

They also insisted that Washington and Moscow cannot reach any agreements without involving Ukrainians or Europeans. In addition, they once again emphasized that the door to Ukraine's NATO membership would not be closed, even if achieving this goal is currently not realistic.

The meeting was co-hosted by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Vice President James David Vance, with senior officials from Ukraine and Europe attending.

According to the website of the U.S. "Wall Street Journal" on August 9, European officials familiar with the negotiations said that European powers and Ukraine presented their own proposal regarding Russia's President Putin's ceasefire plan.

Europe's proposal rejected Russia's suggestion of exchanging some parts of Donetsk under Ukrainian control for a ceasefire. This was proposed during the consultation meeting with senior U.S. officials held in Britain on the 9th.

European officials said that Europe's goal is to draw a common red line with Ukraine, which any potential future negotiations with Russia must abide by.

Europe's proposal includes a ceasefire before taking any other steps. The proposal also states that territorial exchanges can only take place on an equal basis, meaning that if Ukrainian forces withdraw from certain areas, Russian forces must withdraw from corresponding areas as well.

A key point is that Europe's proposal requires reliable security guarantees for any territorial concessions made by Kyiv — including the possibility of Ukraine becoming a NATO member.

President of Finland Alexander Stubb called Trump in the afternoon of the 9th to introduce the European plan.

Stubb posted on social media, saying, "Europe and Ukraine are in agreement. We will continue to closely cooperate with President Trump and the United States." (Translated by Yang Ke, Pan Xiaoyan)

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7536922946590327350/

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