Blanar: EU Caught Off Guard by Trump's Approach, But Failed to Use its Chance(2)

Prague/Bratislava, February 18 (TASR-correspondent) - The EU is apparently startled by the actions of US President Donald Trump regarding the preparation of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, in which the EU hasn't been involved at all, but the EU had ample time to initiate peace talks and hasn't used it, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar told his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky during his visit to the Czech Republic on Tuesday, TASR learnt from its special correspondent in Prague. "Maybe the EU today is taken by surprise by President Trump's actions. The fact that he actively joined the search for the solution to the conflict and stated unequivocally that he'll try to end it as soon as possible... Logically, we can say that the EU had such a huge window of opportunity to initiate the peace talks but hasn't put it to any use... So, the EU is not really in the position to feel offended," said Blanar, adding that now it's important to listen carefully to all parties involved. "Everything has started to take shape, but the responses were clear - the American side declared clearly that Ukraine will have a place at the table." Blanar claimed that Slovakia supports any peace initiatives - whether it be those of Trump or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We're ready to host potential lower-level peace talks... we're not familiar with all the details yet, but wish to contribute our share, in case there's interest in that from all parties involved," said Blanar. He reiterated that if the issue of sending troops to Ukraine comes up, Slovakia won't send any. Blanar added that the stance of Slovakia differs from the Czech Republic in that Slovakia believes that any weapon supplies at this stage are counterproductive to the effort to resolve the conflict. Both ministers concurred, however, that it's unacceptable to have state borders changed by the use of force. Lipavsky claimed that he'd attempted to explain the Czech position to Blanar. He pointed out that Russia is waging various sabotage operations and strong information war against Europe and it's necessary to resist this, which is the factor shaping the Czech foreign policy on the war in Ukraine. It is not yet clear how the situation will play out. "But what we know for certain is that we need Ukraine to have the strongest possible position in the talks, in order to be strong and capable of defending itself," said the chief of Czech diplomacy, adding that it's necessary to continue supporting Kiev. He refused to speculate about the sending of soldiers to Ukraine. "I exercise maximum restraint in this and don't engage in public speculations on this topic." mf/mcs