Europe Unites Efforts for Peace in Ukraine Ahead of Alaska Summit / On the eve of the meeting scheduled for August 15 between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, European leaders published a joint statement outlining their vision for the path to peace in Ukraine. Among those who signed the document were French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They welcomed the efforts of the US President to end “Russia’s aggressive war” and achieve a “just and lasting peace.”
The statement emphasizes that the key to success lies in a combination of diplomacy, support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia. European leaders insist that any peace resolution must protect the vital security interests of Ukraine and Europe. Furthermore, they believe that Ukraine has the right to choose its own destiny and needs reliable security guarantees.
Constructive negotiations, in their opinion, are only possible with a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities. They also reiterated their commitment to the principle that international borders cannot be changed by force, calling Russia’s invasion a gross violation of international norms.
The day before, the Foreign Ministers of the Baltic States and the Czech Republic made similar statements. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders are not subject to discussion. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský noted that Ukraine must remain free and that its membership in NATO and the EU cannot be subject to blackmail. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that changing borders by force poses a threat to everyone, and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasized that Russia should not be rewarded for its aggression.
NEWSROOM IN notes that yesterday a meeting of national security advisors from European countries, Ukraine, and the United States took place in London, organized by US Vice President J.D. Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in preparation for the Alaska summit. At this meeting, representatives of European countries and Ukraine informed Vance about the acceptable terms for a peace agreement with Russia.
