Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine
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"Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" is a foreign policy principle that became relevant during the Russian–Ukrainian War, especially after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The expanded meaning of the phrase is that there can be no negotiations (for example, on a ceasefire during the Russian–Ukrainian war) without the participation of Ukraine at the negotiating table.[1][a]
This statement is a special case of the formula "Nothing about us without us", known since the 16th century in Central Europe, when the Kingdom of Poland adopted the "Nihil novi" Law, which prohibited kings from passing new laws without the consent of the nobility.[3]
The formulation "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" repeatedly appeared in the process of attempts to peacefully resolve the war in Donbass since 2014 in the format of the Normandy Four.
For example, on March 29, 2021, in response to information about preparations for a trilateral videoconference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders of the Normandy Format, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, without the participation of Ukraine, official spokesman of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleg Nikolenko stated: "Our position is clear: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Only the full 'Normandy format' opens up the prospect of progress in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict".[4] Atlantic Council Fellow Peter Dickinson confirmed Nikolenko's words: "'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine' has remained one of the cornerstones of Kyiv's approach to peace negotiations since hostilities began seven years ago."[1]
The formulation "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" was announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken a month before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.[5][6] On January 11, 2022, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak at a meeting with leading European media: "We have received assurances from U.S. President Joe Biden and all our Western partners that any issues concerning our country and its security will not be discussed without its participation. And during any negotiations the 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine' principle will be adhered to."[7][a]