Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar emphasized on Friday that any meaningful peace negotiations over Ukraine issue must include both the European Union and Ukraine, not just the U.S and Russia.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Musar warned that Europe's lack of unity is undermining its global influence and security.
"The problem we do have in the European Union now is that we are not unified enough. We have to work on unity. Only a unified European Union can be a strong partner. Otherwise, we will be seen as a dwarf in global politics. That's the fact," she said.
While acknowledging the role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe's defense, she advocated for better coordination between member states and stronger military integration within the Europe to ensure lasting peace and stability on the continent.
"Of course, we are allies with the United States. But if you are allies, you have to discuss what's necessary for the NATO alignment. European Army, that's the discussion on a table. But I still see NATO as the alliance who can assure us peace in the European Union. This is what I want from the bottom of my heart. Peace, peace and peace. Every single politician on this planet should work towards that," said the president.
The United States and Russia have claimed progress in peace talks concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict without Ukraine's participation. The shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration and the rapid developments in U.S.-Russia discussions have caught both Europe and Ukraine off guard.
Musar expressed concerns over these developments, stressing that Europe and Ukraine having a seat at the negotiating table is a prerequisite for any viable deal.
"I'm very worried about what's going on right now. And I would like to stress one thing. If we are negotiating peace in Ukraine, do you really think that peace negotiation talks can only be between the United States of America and Russia without the European Union or Europe being involved? Or even worse, without Ukraine taking part of this? I have to be honest, if we want to achieve at the end a just and permanent peace, no talks for the peace and security in Europe should go without Europe and without Ukraine," said the President.
She also proposed deploying United Nations peacekeeping forces to Ukraine once a resolution is reached.
"How is this going to end? It's probably a million-dollar question right now. But I really do hope that the peacekeeping forces, when the peace is going to come, are going to go to Ukraine. And the vision of Slovenia is that these peacekeeping forces should come by the mandate of the United Nations," said Musar.
Europe, Ukraine must have seat at negotiations to resolve conflict: Slovenian President
