European Leaders: Russia Has No Veto Power Over Ukraine’s Path to the EU and NATO
High-level international consensus has emerged in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, emphasizing that external actors, particularly Russia, cannot block Kyiv’s aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.
During a virtual summit held on August 13, leaders from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to providing Ukraine with reliable security guarantees and highlighted that no country, including Russia, has the right to dictate or obstruct Ukraine’s sovereign decision to pursue membership in these Western institutions.
The meeting, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S.
Vice President Joe Biden, served as a preparatory step ahead of the upcoming summit between U.S.
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for Alaska.European leaders expressed support for diplomatic efforts led by the U.S.
to end Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine and to achieve lasting peace.
They stated that meaningful negotiations are only possible if a ceasefire or significant and sustained reduction of hostilities is in place.
Should Russia refuse to agree to a ceasefire in Alaska, enhanced sanctions and expanding economic pressure on Russia’s economy would be necessary measures to compel a change in Moscow’s stance.A core message of the statement was that borders and territorial sovereignty cannot be altered by force, and Ukraine’s security must be guaranteed through strong and effective measures.
Leaders stressed that Ukraine must have the right to choose its own path toward accession to the EU and NATO without interference or veto power from external actors.
The officials also reaffirmed their intention to continue close cooperation with President Trump, Ukraine, and other international partners in pursuit of a just and durable peace in the region, reinforced by active engagement of reassurance forces and collective security arrangements designed to stabilize Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.