Interviewer (3:07)

Yeah. Well, we should note, and I appreciate your answer, that Slovenia currently holds the presidency at the UN Security Council. So your views are important here. Do you worry that this plan on the table now favors Russia and would hurt Ukraine and therefore the rest of Europe?

Tanja Fajon (3:25)

I mean, the negotiations are ongoing. And I, of course, commend the US Administration, Trump and everyone involved, because it is good that there is a time also for diplomacy, for searching for political solution instead of a military one. Of course, first is, as I said before, immediate and urgent seat cease fire needed, and then meaningful negotiations. Ukraine has to be at the table. Europe has to be at the table. We are discussing about strong security guarantees for the countries that something like similar wouldn't happen again in the future. And it's also about accountability. It is a brutal war that is ongoing. We see really horrible acts. I was traveling myself not long ago in Ukraine, in several parts of the country. When you see young people, children being amputated without legs, without arms, I mean, these are worse victims. So we do have to all do more. And I encourage diplomacy to work and I encourage all sides to be equally engaged, especially Ukraine, because Ukraine is deciding about its own future. We speak about territorial sovereignty and integrity. No one by force can change the internationally recognized borders.

Interviewer (4:45)

Hmm. You know, when you consider the idea of this peace plan being accepted within days, the FTSE is reporting that that timeline is keying off President Trump's hope to have a peace deal in place, a deal agreed to by Christmas. Minister, is that possible?

Tanja Fajon (5:05)

I mean, I wish to see that it is possible. I think we all wish to see just and lasting peace for Ukraine and a peace agreement. But this is a question mostly for those that are sitting at the table. I speak mostly here about President Zelensky. He's speaking about the state and about the future of his state. That's why I say it's very important that everyone is at the table, that the dialogue is ongoing. But still, as long as there are bombings every day, I don't see it's a. It's a good way to find a meaningful negotiation. So, yes, I do commend the efforts of Trump and administration because we start talking and Europeans. But it is clear how these talks should be conducted meaningful way and based on an international law and a UN Charter.

Interviewer (6:00)

Minister Fayon, President Trump sat for an extended interview with Politico and was asked about these negotiations. I'd like you to hear what he said, and we'll have you respond.

Tanja Fajon (6:09)

Listen, which country right now is in the stronger negotiating position?

Donald Trump (6:14)

Well, there can be no question about it. It's Russia. It's a much bigger country.

Tanja Fajon (6:19)

Zelensky rejects this deal. Is there a timeline, Is there a point at which you say, well, he's.

Donald Trump (6:27)

Going to have to get on the ball and start accepting things, you know, when you're losing, is it losing?

Tanja Fajon (6:33)

Do Ukraine has. Do you think Ukraine has lost this war?

Donald Trump (6:37)

Well, they've lost territory long before I got here. They lost a whole strip of seafront, big seafront.

Interviewer (6:45)

Minister Fayon, I'll ask you the same question. Do you believe Ukraine is losing this war?

Tanja Fajon (6:51)

I think Ukraine has high morale and it's quite an inspiration to see people fighting for their own territory in the country. As I said before, no one, and I will repeat it, no one, can by force simply take your land away. We had our own history, former Yugoslavia, and that is why I say it's all about territorial sovereignty and integrity. If there is meaningful negotiations after the cease fire, it has to be respected and negotiated. So I do hope that the President, Putin, Zelensky, Trump, will sit down and find a solution that is acceptable and for peace, for security and for the future of Ukraine.

Interviewer (7:34)

Well, you remind us, Europeans have long memories. And I wonder, even if we have a peace deal with signatures on the table and a security guarantee, does history suggest you can trust Vladimir Putin with a deal?

Tanja Fajon (7:49)

I mean, we are this year in 80s, year of anniversary of United Nations. 80 years ago, our leaders committed to values of securing collective peace and security for our citizens around the world. I think this is a good moment to reflect ourselves, where is our responsibility and maybe to recommit to these values. I think we live in times of this terrible geopolitical turbulence, with too many armed conflicts in the west and we need to protect civilians. I think this is our really moral, if nothing else, responsibility.

Interviewer (8:27)

If Vladimir Zelinsky gives up the Donbas, gives up territorial gains that Russia has made, Minister, in our remaining moment, what will that mean for the rest of Europe?

Tanja Fajon (8:38)

You don't expect that I will prejudge the negotiations and the end result? I think this is up to President Zelensky for the talks about what is acceptable and negotiable for Ukraine that is clearly the victim of this war.

Interviewer (8:56)

I'm really glad you could join us today and I appreciate your coming to see us at our headquarters in New York. Minister, thank you. Tanya Fayon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Slovenia. In a conversation you will not hear anywhere else.

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