Joint Statement by the EU and Multiple European Countries: We Will Promote the Preparation for the Trilateral Meeting between Ukraine, USA and Russia

On August 16th, local time, the European Commission’s official website released a joint statement by the President of the European Commission Von Der Leyen, the President of the European Council Costa, the President of France Macron, the Prime Minister of Italy Meloni, the Chancellor of Germany Merz, the Prime Minister of the UK Sunak, the President of Finland Stub and the Prime Minister of Poland Tusk.
The joint statement said that earlier that day, U.S. President Trump reported to European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelensky after his meeting with Russian President Putin in Alaska. The leaders welcomed Trump’s efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and achieve a fair and lasting peace. Europe is also prepared to cooperate with the United States and Ukraine to promote preparations for a tripartite meeting.
The joint statement pointed out that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Europe welcomes Trump’s indication that the United States is prepared to provide security guarantees. The “Voluntary Alliance” is ready to play a positive role. The statement said that the Ukrainian armed forces and their cooperation with third countries should not be restricted. Russia cannot block Ukraine’s path to join the European Union and NATO.
The joint statement emphasized that Ukraine should decide on its own territory issues. International borders must not be changed by force. Europe will continue to support Ukraine and is determined to make greater efforts to maintain Ukraine’s strength in order to end the war and achieve a fair and lasting peace.
The joint statement also stated that Europe will be ready to continue to pressure Russia as long as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and broader economic measures to pressure Russia’s war economy until a fair and lasting peace is achieved.
U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin held a meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, on the 15th local time. The meeting lasted for about 3 hours, and both sides said that the meeting was “constructive” and “fruitful”, but no agreement was reached on issues such as a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. (News)