European countries and Ukraine risk being excluded from future negotiations on the settlement of the conflict, remaining only as outside observers. This is reported by the German publication BILD, citing diplomatic sources. In their opinion, the key role in these negotiations will be played by world leaders such as the United States, Russia and, possibly, China, while Kyiv and European capitals will be forced to make the final decision without having any real influence on the process. 

This prospect raises serious concerns in European political circles. Many EU leaders have already expressed their disagreement with the possible exclusion of Europe and Ukraine from the negotiation process, noting that a peaceful settlement without taking their interests into account will be short-lived and can only worsen the crisis. 

BILD emphasizes that diplomatic maneuvers around future negotiations are already underway at the highest level. The United States and Russia are discussing possible parameters for resolving the conflict, with the emphasis being on finding compromises that are acceptable to both sides. In this situation, Ukraine's role could be reduced to an observer position, which, according to experts, would seriously weaken its influence on the final outcome. 

The Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly stated that it will not accept any decisions that will be presented without its participation. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine must remain unchanged and any compromises that involve concessions on these issues are unacceptable.