Ahead of a planned meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents, European Union member states reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, insisting that the country’s people must be free to decide their own future.
In a joint statement, the leaders said: “A just and lasting peace, bringing stability and security, must respect international law—including independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.”
The statement described Russia’s “aggressive war” against Ukraine as having far-reaching consequences for the security of Europe and the world, stressing that Ukraine’s and Europe’s security interests must be safeguarded in any potential agreement.
With the exception of Hungary, a close ally of Moscow, all EU member states endorsed the declaration, pledging to continue supporting Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.
They also vowed to maintain political, financial, economic, military, humanitarian, and diplomatic support for Kyiv—in coordination with the United States and other partners—emphasizing that Ukraine is exercising its legitimate right to self-defense.
The EU leaders confirmed they will uphold restrictive measures against Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet on August 14 in Alaska. Trump has previously suggested that both sides should be open to land swaps.
Kyiv and the EU’s position contrasts with Washington’s current stance, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posting on X that Ukrainians will not “gift” their land to occupiers.
