Brussels: European leaders and Ukraine’s President issued a joint statement on Tuesday expressing support for US President Donald Trump’s call to begin peace talks between Ukraine and Russia based on the current line of contact between the two sides.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the statement was signed by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The leaders emphasized their strong backing for President Trump’s position to halt the fighting immediately and initiate negotiations from the current line of contact. They collectively voiced their aspiration for a just and lasting peace, underscoring the necessity for international borders to remain unaltered by force. The statement criticized Russia’s approach, suggesting that Ukraine remains committed to peace, whereas President Vladimir Putin continues to opt for violence and destruction.
The joint declaration also highlighted the need for Ukraine to be in a robust position before, during, and after any ceasefire. They called for increased pressure on Russia’s economy and defense industry until an agreement is reached. Additionally, the leaders announced plans to utilize Russia’s immobilized sovereign assets to provide Ukraine with necessary resources. The leaders are set to convene later this week during the European Council and in the “Coalition of the Willing” format to further discuss the support for Ukraine.