EU Leaders Express Support for Ukraine Ahead of Key US-Russia Talks; Orbán Opts Out of Joint Declaration
A significant event unfolded on the eve of the scheduled diplomatic negotiations on Alaska between U.S.
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Leaders of 26 European Union member states approved a joint statement that unequivocally reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The declaration emphasizes that international borders should not be altered by force and underscores the importance of allowing the Ukrainian people to determine their future independently, without external coercion.
The leaders strongly stated that meaningful negotiations can only occur under a ceasefire or a reduction of hostilities.
Additionally, the EU, in cooperation with the United States and other close partners, pledged to continue providing political, financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine, including implementing further sanctions against Russia.
The document also highlights the EU’s readiness to contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees and reaffirms its support for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.
Notably, Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, did not join the declaration, citing internal policy reasons for abstaining.
This divergence has caused ripples among political circles.
One senior EU official confirmed that the statement was agreed upon on Monday evening by the heads of state and government of EU member countries, excluding Hungary.
Meanwhile, U.S.
President Donald Trump revealed that he consulted with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine and its possible outcomes.
Trump also expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska, though he did not dismiss the possibility of negative results.
The U.S.
leader voiced dissatisfaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s arguments about constitutional changes needed for territorial exchanges in any potential peace agreement.
Massive online negotiations are scheduled for August 13, involving various combinations of European leaders, U.S.
officials, and Ukraine, in anticipation of the upcoming Trump-Putin summit.