“We, the leaders of the European Union”. The strong message transmitted by 26 EU countries before Trump-Putin summit

26 heads of state and government European say, in a common statement published on Tuesday morning, that the Ukrainians must have the freedom to decide on their future and that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukrainian and European interests.

The common statement, which was approved on Monday evening and published on Tuesday morning, on the website of the European Council, was approved by the leaders of all EU member countries, except for Hungary.

The message comes before the meeting on Friday, August 15, between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska.

“We, the leaders of the European Union, welcome the efforts of President Trump to end the Russia's aggression war against Ukraine and to achieve a fair and sustainable peace and security. A fair and sustainable peace, which will bring stability and security, must respect international law, including the principles of independence, the fact that the international, modified by force ”, is shown in the common statement of EU leaders.

“The path to peace cannot be decided without Ukraine”

“The Ukrainian people must have the freedom to decide on its future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. Significant negotiations can only take place in the context of an armistice or the reduction of hostilities. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has wider implications for European security. of Ukraine and Europe, ”the statement shows.

Next, leaders say that the EU will continue to support Ukraine, both economically and militarily, as well as on its way to EU accession.

“The European Union, in coordination with the United States and other partners with similar visions, will continue to provide political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support, as it exercises its inherent law. It will also continue to maintain and impose restrictive measures against the Russian Federation.”

“A Ukraine capable of effectively defending itself is an integral part of any future security guarantees. The European Union and Member States are prepared to continue to contribute to security guarantees based on their respective skills and capabilities, in accordance with international law and with full respect for the security and defense policy of certain Member States, taking into account the states,”

“The European Union emphasizes Ukraine's inherent right to choose its own destiny and will continue to support Ukraine on its way to EU,” concludes EU leaders.