Following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the European Union has issued a strong statement reaffirming its support for Ukraine. EU leaders have declared their commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine and stated that they will not accept any forced changes to Ukraine’s borders. The statement indicates the EU’s readiness to play its part in supporting Ukraine. The joint statement was issued by European Commission President von der Leyen, President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, and President Costa. The leaders stated that President Trump provided them and President Zelensky with detailed information following his meeting with the Russian President on August 15th in Alaska. The statement welcomed President Trump’s efforts to prevent killings in Ukraine, end Russia’s aggressive war, and establish a just and lasting peace. It referenced President Trump’s statement, ‘No deal until there’s a deal,’ and indicated that his next step would be further discussions with President Zelensky. The statement emphasized that the EU is prepared to work with President Trump and President Zelensky towards a trilateral summit. The EU is clear that Ukraine should receive solid security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, welcoming President Trump’s readiness to provide security guarantees. It also stated that there should be no restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces or their cooperation with third countries, and that Russia should not have a veto over Ukraine’s path to the EU and NATO.
