As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, European leaders have united to emphasize the imperative of safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty. A joint statement issued by France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Britain, Finland, and the European Commission welcomed Trump's diplomatic push but underscored that any peace deal must prioritize Ukraine's security interests.
The leaders stressed that "international borders must not be changed by force," explicitly rejecting territorial concessions under pressure. They proposed using the current frontlines as a basis for negotiations while insisting that "the path to peace cannot be decided without Ukraine."
"Robust security guarantees are essential to defend Ukraine's sovereignty," the statement read, reflecting Europe's cautious optimism about the upcoming summit.
The diplomatic flurry follows multiple preparatory meetings, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance's discussions with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Ukrainian representatives at Chevening House. While details remain scarce, analysts suggest the talks could reshape security frameworks across Eastern Europe and impact global energy markets.
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Europe stresses need to protect Ukraine ahead of Trump-Putin talks
cgtn.com