EU Stands with Ukraine After Trump-Putin Talks, Condemns Border Alterations

The European Union has voiced its continued support for Ukraine and rejected any alteration of its borders by force, following a meeting between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska. The EU leaders are also prepared to offer security guarantees to Ukraine. A joint statement was released by key figures including von der Leyen, Macron, Meloni, Merz, Starmer, Stubb, Tusk, and Costa. The statement highlighted that President Trump briefed them and President Zelensky on the details of his meeting with President Putin on August 15th in Alaska. The leaders welcomed Trump’s efforts to stop the killings, end Russia’s aggressive war, and establish lasting peace. The statement reiterated the importance of reaching an agreement, reflecting Trump’s stance of ‘no deal until there’s a deal.’ The EU is ready to collaborate with Trump and Zelensky on a trilateral summit. The EU is determined that Ukraine must have robust security guarantees to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, welcoming the US willingness to provide such guarantees. The statement affirmed that Ukraine’s armed forces and collaborations with other nations should not face restrictions. The EU also stressed that Russia cannot veto Ukraine’s path toward the EU and NATO. The statement emphasized that decisions regarding its territory lie with Ukraine and that international borders must not be changed by force. The EU pledged to continue its support for Ukraine, including efforts to strengthen Ukraine to enable the end of fighting and the establishment of a just and lasting peace. The EU is also committed to maintaining pressure on Russia, including sanctions and economic measures, until a just and lasting peace is achieved. The EU declared that Ukraine can rely on its unwavering unity as it works towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s key security interests.