Brussels — Twenty-six European Union member states have issued a strong joint statement affirming support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-determination, deliberately excluding Hungary, ahead of the high-stakes U.S.–Russia Alaska summit between President Trump and President Putin.
The declaration underlined that “the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine” and emphasized that meaningful negotiations can only begin in the context of a ceasefire or at least a significant reduction in hostilities. It also reaffirmed that international borders must not be changed by force, and that any diplomatic solution must secure both Ukrainian and European security interests.
The 26 leaders praised U.S. President Trump’s attempt to end Russia’s war of aggression, but made clear that lasting peace must respect international law and Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán withheld Hungary’s endorsement, criticizing the EU statement as presumptuous—a commentary from provinces uninvolved in the upcoming U.S.–Russia meeting. He instead called for an EU–Russia summit, mirroring the Alaska format.
With the summit agenda in flux, EU officials and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy continue urging that Kyiv must be part of any negotiation to ensure its interests are defended.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Euronews, Polskie Radio
