European leaders call on Trump to protect Ukraine's interests during talks with Putin

Pic.: Euronews

The leaders of major European states have called on US President Donald Trump to hold talks with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine only on condition of a ceasefire and guarantees to protect "Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests".

Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Starmer, President von der Leyen and President Stubb on Peace for Ukraine ahead of President Trump's planned meeting with President Putin.

In their statement, the European leaders welcomed Trump’s efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine but stressed that any diplomatic settlement must be based solely on terms that ensure the protection of Ukraine’s and Europe’s key security interests. This includes the provision of reliable and effective guarantees enabling Kyiv to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They emphasised that substantive negotiations "can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities".

The European leaders confirmed their readiness to support the peace process through diplomatic means, continue substantial military and financial assistance to Ukraine, and maintain sanctions pressure on Russia.

They underlined that the path to peace cannot be determined without Ukraine’s participation and that internationally recognised borders must not be altered by force.

The day before the statement was issued, the US president revealed plans to meet Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August.

Trump stated that in a future peace deal between Russia and Ukraine would involve "some swapping of territories".

…Europe has found itself out of the game. Its leaders are in a panic. They understand that the opinion of the European Union will not be taken into account in the negotiations between Putin and Trump.

The two Superpowers will begin to resolve the most important issues for them without outside interference. Europe has lost its subjectivity.

Moscow will resolve all issues regarding Ukraine based on the demands that formulated at the beginning of the SMO – denazification of the Kyiv regime and demilitarization of Ukraine itself. But, Europe is an obstacle to this process. Therefore, it has no place in the negotiations.

What does Europe have to do with it?

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