EU leaders ahead of Trump-Putin meeting: diplomatic solution must protect vital security interests of Ukraine and Europe
European Union leaders issued a statement on Ukraine on the eve of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska (USA), expressing their belief that meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction in hostilities, and a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests.
The text of the corresponding statement was published in Brussels on Tuesday.
Welcoming President Trump’s efforts to end “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine,” the European Union leaders stressed that “a just and lasting peace that brings stability and security must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and that international borders must not be changed by force”.
“The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities,” the EU leaders said.
They noted that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine “has wider implications for European and international security.” “We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests,” the statement said.
At the same time, the leaders assured that the European Union, in coordination with the United States and other like-minded countries, will continue to provide political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine, "as Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence". It will also continue to uphold and impose restrictive measures against the Russian Federation.
"A Ukraine capable of defending itself effectively is an integral part of any future security guarantees. The European Union and Member States are ready to further contribute to security guarantees based on their respective competences and capabilities, in line with international law, and in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States," the EU leaders said.
They also underlined "Ukraine's inherent right to choose its own destiny" and support for Ukraine on its path to EU membership.
Hungary does not associate itself with this statement.