European leaders back Trump's peace efforts in Ukraine
European leaders—including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—are welcoming Donald Trump's efforts to halt the war in Ukraine, end Russia's war of aggression, and secure a just and lasting peace, according to a statement published on the European Council's website following discussions with the US President and the leader in Kyiv.
The document notes that President Trump emphasized, "'there is no deal until there is a deal,'" and that the next step, according to the White House leader's vision, is to "'continue negotiations, including with Ukrainian President Zelensky,'" whom Trump will meet with soon.
The European leaders stated their readiness to collaborate with Presidents Trump and Zelensky on a trilateral summit with the support of European nations.
"We are firmly convinced that Ukraine must benefit from robust security guarantees to be able to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump's statement that the US is prepared to offer such security guarantees," the declaration states.
The document reiterates the common position of the European leaders that, during future peace negotiations, "no restrictions should be imposed on the Ukrainian armed forces or their cooperation with other countries," and that Russia "can have no veto over Ukraine's path toward the EU and NATO."
Another important principle mentioned in the document is Ukraine's sovereign right to make decisions regarding its territory and that "international borders should not be changed by force."
The signatories of the declaration reaffirm that European support for Ukraine will continue and that sanctions and economic measures against Russia will be maintained until a just and lasting peace is achieved. The European leaders reiterated their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and their commitment to protecting Europe's vital security.
The document was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
