Egypt on Wednesday welcomed recent international efforts to reach a peaceful settlement to the crisis in Ukraine, praising a US-Russia summit in Alaska and a separate meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents in Washington. In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry said it values the efforts of US President Donald Trump to end the military operations and their negative consequences. It welcomed the Aug. 15 summit in Alaska and the Aug. 18 meeting in Washington that brought together the US and Ukrainian leaders, along with several European counterparts. "Egypt affirms that these efforts are fully consistent with its own position, which calls for advancing political and diplomatic solutions to international crises," the statement read, adding that "there are no military solutions to this protracted crisis." The only way forward is through serious negotiation, political flexibility, and adherence to international law and the U.N. Charter, the ministry said. The statement also expressed hope that these efforts would lead to an end to the war soon, given its severe political, security, humanitarian, and economic repercussions, which have disproportionately affected developing countries, especially in achieving food security. The diplomatic push comes as European leaders seek to leverage Trump's support for a plan that includes sending European troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal. While Trump has ruled out deploying US forces, he has indicated a willingness to provide other support, such as air cover. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow was ready to discuss a political settlement with Ukraine, stressing that security guarantees must be provided on an equal basis and involve Russia, China, the US, Britain, and France. While praising the diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, Egypt's foreign ministry said it hopes the international community will also "exert its efforts in the Middle East to resolve the Palestinian issue decisively and finally." It stressed the need for Israel to accept the deal that Hamas has agreed to, based on a proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, "to quickly reach a ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages and a number of Palestinian prisoners." Egypt renewed its readiness to continue contributing constructively, in cooperation with regional and international partners, to support paths aimed at establishing international peace and security.
