EU leaders address ahead of upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin

On the eve of the upcoming meeting between the heads of the USA and Russia - Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin - the leaders of key European countries and heads of significant European institutions have issued a joint statement emphasising the need to establish a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. This is stated in a joint statement by the EU leaders and the president of the European Commission.

The document was signed by such influential politicians as 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 the text of the statement, the European leaders noted the importance of Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised that success is only possible with a comprehensive approach that includes active diplomacy, effective military and financial support for Kyiv, and pressure on Russia.

We intend to support these initiatives both diplomatically and through the continued provision of significant military and financial assistance to Ukraine, including the work of the Coalition of the willing, as well as through the maintenance and expansion of sanctions against Russia," the statement emphasised.

They added that any diplomatic settlement should take into account the key security interests of Ukraine and the whole of Europe, providing reliable security guarantees.

The document emphasises that the negotiation process can start only after a ceasefire or a significant reduction in hostilities, while any changes to international borders by force are excluded.

Ukraine has the right to determine its own future. Serious negotiations are possible only against the background of a ceasefire or a significant reduction in hostilities. The peace process should not take place without the active participation of Ukraine itself. We firmly adhere to the position that international borders cannot be changed by force. The current line of contact must become the basis for negotiations. We reiterate that Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is a serious violation of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest Memorandum and Russia's other commitments. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," the statement said.

The leaders also assured that they remain firmly committed to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and will continue to work with President Trump, the United States, President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine to achieve a peace that will ensure security and stability in the region.