The European Council has released a joint statement in response to the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The statement, signed by key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirms the council’s commitment to backing Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The leaders welcomed Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve a just and lasting peace. “leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace,” the statement reads.
Trump’s comment, “there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” underscores the complexity of the negotiations.
The next step, as envisioned by Trump, must be further talks including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.
The European Council emphasized the need for ironclad security guarantees to enable Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement emphasizes.
The council welcomes Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to provide security guarantees, and the coalition of the willing is ready to play an active role.
Notably, no limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or its cooperation with third countries.
The statement also highlights the importance of Ukraine’s decision-making autonomy regarding its territory and reaffirms that Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to EU and NATO.
“It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force,” the council asserts.
The leaders are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong and achieve an end to the fighting, ensuring a just and lasting peace. As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, the council stands ready to uphold the pressure on Russia through strengthened sanctions and wider economic measures.
The European Council’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine is evident in their commitment to work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests. “Our support to Ukraine will continue.
We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace,” the statement concludes.
This pledge underscores the council’s dedication to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, even as the conflict continues.