EU Leaders Reaffirm Ukraine’s Right to Choose Its Future Ahead of Trump–Putin Summit

European Union leaders excluding Hungary issued a strong joint declaration reaffirming that Ukraine has the sovereign right to decide its own political and security future, days before the scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The statement comes amid growing concerns in European capitals that the high-profile summit could result in agreements undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

EU leaders stressed that any peace initiative must be based on a just and lasting framework, starting with a verifiable ceasefire and the full restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. They made it clear that territorial changes imposed by force cannot be accepted under any circumstances, warning that legitimizing such actions would set a dangerous precedent for global stability.

Diplomatic sources have indicated that Trump may be considering proposals that could involve territorial concessions in exchange for an end to hostilities. European officials fear that such moves would effectively reward aggression and could leave Ukraine vulnerable to renewed attacks in the future.

In their statement, EU leaders insisted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must be fully included in any negotiation process, emphasizing that decisions about Ukraine’s future cannot be made without Ukraine at the table. They also cautioned that any deal should include robust security guarantees, ensuring that Russia cannot use negotiations as a pause to rebuild its military strength.

While expressing cautious support for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow, the EU underscored that the ultimate goal must be a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s independence, democratic governance, and long-term security. The bloc reiterated its commitment to supporting Kyiv politically, militarily, and economically for as long as necessary.

Sources:

The Guardian, Reuters, Associated Press