Brussels – European leaders on Saturday issued a joint statement pledging to continue backing Kyiv and maintain pressure on Moscow until the fighting in Ukraine ends, following a meeting in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports 24brussels.
The joint statement from leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of the UK Keir Starmer, and Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, came after President Trump briefed them on his discussions with Putin.
According to the statement, “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 leaders emphasized that the next step should involve discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, indicating their readiness to engage in a three-way summit supported by European backing.
How do European leaders stress security guarantees for Kyiv?
The leaders articulated the necessity for Kyiv to possess ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role,”
they stated.
“No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. 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 joint statement affirmed.
How determined is the EU to sustain support for Ukraine?
European leaders reiterated their commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.
“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,”
they declared.
Additionally, they expressed their readiness to sustain pressure on Russia as long as the violence in Ukraine persists.
“We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace,”
they noted.
What did Trump say after Alaska talks with Putin?
Following his talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Donald Trump remarked that Ukraine should accept a deal to end the war with Russia. Trump claimed he and Putin agreed that moving toward a peace settlement was the best approach to handle the crisis, bypassing the need for an initial ceasefire, a stance previously rejected by Kyiv and its European allies.
He also described the talks as “very productive,” noting the potential for points of compromise, while stating that until an agreement is reached, negotiations remain open.