Before Trump's meeting with Putin, President Zelenskyy emphasized the defense of European security in Ukraine. He welcomed a joint statement by European states on the peace negotiations. Accusations came from Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked European heads of state and government for their support ahead of the summit between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy said the war must be ended fairly, and he is therefore grateful to everyone who stands on Ukraine's side. His country is defending European security interests.
Next Friday, Trump and Putin plan to negotiate a possible peace solution to the Russian war of aggression, which has been going on for almost three and a half years, in the US state of Alaska. Zelensky, who is not invited, fears that the decision will be made without regard for Ukraine.
Criticism from Moscow of Medvedev
The Ukrainian president also categorically rejects the renunciation of Ukrainian territories mentioned by Trump - and praised a statement by the Europeans on Saturday evening, according to which no decision should be made about Ukraine without the country itself being involved.
Meanwhile, former Kremlin chief Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of the National Security Council in Moscow, accused the Europeans of trying to prevent a peace agreement. According to Moscow, Russians and Americans are working intensively on a plan to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Path to peace not without Kyiv
Ahead of the planned meeting between Trump and Putin on Ukraine, several European states issued a joint statement. The"path to peace" in Ukraine cannot be decided without Kyiv, said the leaders of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Finland, as well as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a statement."Ukraine has the freedom to decide its own destiny."
Meaningful negotiations could "only take place within the framework of a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities," emphasized the signatories, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Robust and credible security guarantees are also necessary, enabling Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty. The declaration makes no explicit statement on prospective NATO accession, nor does it address whether the United States should be part of the security guarantees.
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Pressure on Russia demanded
They welcomed Trump's work to end the killing in Ukraine and create a just peace, they added. At the same time, only an approach that combines active diplomacy, support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia can succeed."We continue to adhere to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force. The current line of the front should be the starting point for negotiations."
The Europeans assured Ukraine of continued comprehensive military and financial assistance. They will continue to work closely with Trump, the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the Ukrainian people.
Zelenskyy:"Constructive" talks in London
The joint statement by the European leaders was released after representatives of Ukraine and its allies met in the UK. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President J.D. Vance had invited the meeting to discuss US President Donald Trump's plans for Ukraine. Trump plans to meet with Putin in Alaska on August 15.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy subsequently described the talks as"constructive." "All our arguments were heard," he said in his evening video address."The path to peace for Ukraine must be determined jointly and only jointly with Ukraine; that is the most important principle."
Klitschko emphasizes war weariness
Meanwhile, a White House official said, according to the Reuters news agency, that Trump is open to a three-way summit with Putin and Zelensky in Alaska. However, for now, the White House is planning a bilateral meeting at Putin's request.
Meanwhile, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko also emphasized the need for negotiations."We must find a diplomatic solution," Klitschko told the Bild newspaper in Kyiv."Everyone in our state, in our country, is tired of this war," he said. Regarding Russian demands for territorial secession, he said it was"far too early" for such talks.
