We await with bated breath the outcome of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine and Russia, now in its fifth week. The first round of talks that began on February 28 has raised more questions than answers regarding what happens next.
Ukrainian and European diplomats here in Egypt have commented on recent developments.
During talks with Russia in Turkey, the Ukrainian side, led by Servant of the People Chairman David Arakhamia, outlined its proposals for a new set of security guarantees for Ukraine.
“This must be in the form of an international treaty signed by all countries who will act as guarantors for security. These guarantors will be the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, which includes the Russian Federation.
Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires Ruslan Nechai said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed from the beginning of the Russian aggression that peaceful diplomacy is the only way to a settlement.
Nechai’s remarks came during a conference on the ‘Russian war in Ukraine’ attended by the ambassadors of Poland and Lithuania as well as diplomats of the embassies of Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal and France.
“Ending the Russian war remains top priority for Ukraine,” Nechai said, referring to “positive signs” after the sixth round of talks in Istanbul.
“Every round helps reach a final solution and ceasefire,” Nechai said.
Polish Ambassador to Egypt Michal Labenda said that so far around 2.3 million refugees are in Poland.
“Registered refugees are entitled to free medical and help in applying for jobs. They enjoy almost the same rights as Polish citizens,” Labenda said, denying any kind of discrimination against refugees.
“All African ambassadors in Poland have not a single case of inappropriate of their nationals. People at the borders are very stressed and emotions run high and this might cause ill-feelings,” he said.
“The approach by both Polish and Ukrainian authorities at the borders and after crossing is excellent,” he added.
Lithuanian Ambassador to Egypt Artūras Gailiūnas condemned Russia’s “unprovoked war” against Ukraine.
“Lithuania stands united with Ukraine as it is facing large-scale military attacks by Russia,” Gailiūnas said adding that Russia is grossly violating the international law by this “imperial and colonial war”.
“The next target could be any sovereign State in Europe or Asia.
“It could be Moldova. It could be Georgia again. Russia’s military aggression will have a long-term impact on global security,” he warned.
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