European leaders issued a joint statement following US-Russian talks in Alaska, stating the need for guarantees for Ukraine's security and welcoming the US's readiness to provide them. The statement was published on the European Commission website .
The joint declaration by French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgi 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 was published today by the European Council following a report on the meeting by President Trump.
"The leaders welcomed President Trump's efforts to stop the killings in Ukraine, end Russia's aggressive war and achieve a just and lasting peace," the statement said.
"As President Trump said, 'there is no deal until there is a deal'". President Trump foresees that the next step should be further negotiations, including with President Zelensky, whom he will meet soon.
"We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelensky for a trilateral summit with the support of Europe.”
The statement emphasizes that “Ukraine must have reliable security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“We welcome President Trump’s statement that the United States is ready to provide security guarantees. The coalition of the willing is ready to play an active role. There should be no restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto right against Ukraine’s path to the EU and NATO,” the European leaders said.
“Ukraine will make decisions on its territory. International borders should not be changed by force.”
The statement adds: “Our support for Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong, with the aim of ending the fighting and achieving a just and lasting peace.
While the killings in Ukraine continue, we stand ready to keep up the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and broader economic measures to put pressure on Russia's military economy until a just and lasting peace is achieved.
European leaders concluded:"Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work for a peace that protects Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests."