Trump and Putin Prepare for Alaska Meeting to Discuss Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Friday to discuss a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, reports 24brussels. On Tuesday, representatives from 26 out of 27 European Union (EU) nations issued a statement emphasizing that any peace agreement must adhere to international law and cannot occur without Ukraine’s consent.
The statement declared that a “just and lasting peace” must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, clearly stating that borders “must not be changed by force.” The European leaders emphasized that peace in Ukraine cannot be defined without Ukraine’s involvement, asserting that only in the context of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities can meaningful negotiations occur.
The EU reiterated its comprehensive support for Ukraine, including political, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic assistance, while pledging to maintain and enforce sanctions against Russia. The bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership.
Interestingly, Hungary abstained from endorsing the statement. Prime Minister Viktor Orban asserted on X that Hungary would not support a position that sets conditions for a meeting to which EU leaders were not invited.
Amid these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared over the weekend that Ukraine will not relinquish any territory to Russia, following Trump’s suggestion about the possibility of “swapping territories” to conclude the war.
Protests erupted in Kyiv as thousands took to the streets opposing controversial reforms aimed at restructuring Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies, raising concerns over transparency and control by the Prosecutor General’s Office.
