On Friday, American President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not attend. Earlier this week, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas outlined “next steps” during a special Foreign Affairs ministerial council, followed by a statement from member states on Tuesday morning.
“We, the leaders of the EU countries, support President Trump’s initiatives to end the Russian aggression against Ukraine and to establish a just and lasting peace and security for the country,” the statement declared. Any peace agreement “must adhere to international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing that international borders cannot be altered by force.”
Consequently, negotiations are only viable after a ceasefire or a significant reduction in hostilities. Meanwhile, the EU will persist in providing “political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support for Ukraine” and will uphold sanctions against Russia.
“The Russian aggression against Ukraine has broader implications for European and global security. We are united in the belief that a diplomatic resolution must safeguard the critical security interests of both Ukraine and Europe,” the leaders emphasized. In this regard, member states will continue to offer security guarantees and assist Ukraine in its EU membership aspirations.
Leave a Reply