European Parliament suggests replacing France with European Union in OSCE Minsk Group

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky look set for a peace summit after fast-moving talks on Monday 18 August between Donald Trump and European leaders that focused on the key issue of long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. Hopes of a breakthrough rose after Trump said he had spoken by phone with Russian counterpart Putin, whom he met in Alaska last week, following a "very good" meeting with the Europeans and the Ukrainian president at the White House on Monday.