European Leaders Urge for Lasting Peace in Ukraine Ahead of Trump-Putin Meeting
As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, leaders from major European nations have issued a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
The statement was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Alexander Stubb.
In their declaration, EU leaders commended Trump’s efforts to cease hostilities in Ukraine, asserting that success hinges on combining active diplomacy with military and financial support for Kyiv, alongside sustained pressure on Russia.
“We are ready to support this diplomatic effort, as well as through maintaining our substantial military and financial assistance to Ukraine, including through the actions of the ‘Coalition of Willing’, and through the preservation and introduction of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation,” the leaders stated.
They underscored that any diplomatic resolution must safeguard vital security interests for both Ukraine and Europe, including providing reliable security guarantees. The leaders confirmed that negotiations can only commence following a ceasefire or a decrease in hostilities, reiterating that international borders cannot be altered by force.
“Ukraine has the freedom to choose its own fate. Meaningful negotiations can only occur under conditions of a ceasefire or a reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine’s involvement. We remain committed to the principle that international borders cannot change by force. The current frontline must serve as a starting point for negotiations. We reiterate that the unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia constitutes a gross violation of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest Memorandum, and several successive obligations of Russia. We emphasize our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” the leaders asserted.
The joint statement reaffirmed the leaders’ steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging that they will continue to stand with Ukraine in collaboration with President Trump, U.S. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Ukrainian people to achieve a peace that protects shared security interests.
Meanwhile, this week, Vladimir Putin conveyed a proposal to the Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine in exchange for the transfer of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, seeking international recognition of these territories as part of Russia.
