26 European Union Leaders Affirm Ukraine Must Have Freedom To Determine Its Future

JAKARTA - The heads of state and government of 26 member states of the European Union confirmed in a joint statement that the Ukrainian people must have the freedom to determine their future, and diplomatic solutions must protect the interests of Ukraine and Europe.

"meaning negotiations can only be carried out in the context of a ceasefire or a reduction in violence," the leaders said, adding "we share the belief that diplomatic solutions should protect the vital security interests of Ukraine and Europe," as quoted by Reuters on August 12.

The statement, which was agreed late Monday and published on Tuesday, was backed by EU member state leaders except Hungary.

This joint statement comes amid fears US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may try to dictate the requirement to end the 3.5-year war at a summit in Alaska this Friday.

In a statement Tuesday, leaders said they "welcome President Trump's efforts to end the war of Russian aggression against Ukraine". However, they underlined, "the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine".

"A just and lasting peace that brings stability and security must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and that international boundaries should not be changed by force," they said, citing AP and France 24.

Europe will again seek to garner President Trump's support for Ukraine's struggle on Wednesday in a virtual meeting organized by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

President Trump did not confirm whether he would participate, but said: "I will listen to everyone's input" before meeting Putin.