Europe Sets Red Lines for Ukraine Peace Talks Before Trump–Putin Summit

Leaders of several European countries and the European Commission have issued a joint statement outlining conditions for peace in Ukraine, ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

According to the statement, the current line of contact should serve as the starting point for negotiations, with Ukraine receiving reliable security guarantees following talks in which it participates, supported by European partners.

The statement was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to end hostilities in Ukraine and secure a just and lasting peace. They emphasized that only an approach combining active diplomacy, continued support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia to halt its war could be effective.

“We stand ready to support this work diplomatically as well as by upholding our substantive military and financial support to Ukraine, including through the work of the Coalition of the Willing, and by upholding and imposing restrictive measures against the Russian Federation,” the statement reads.

They expressed readiness to support this process diplomatically while maintaining substantial military and financial assistance to Ukraine through the “Coalition of the Willing” and by sustaining and expanding sanctions against Russia.

The leaders stressed that any diplomatic settlement must safeguard Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests. They agreed that such interests include credible security guarantees enabling Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meaningful negotiations, they stated, could only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities.

They reaffirmed that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine’s participation and reiterated their commitment to the principle that international borders cannot be changed by force.

They also underlined that Russia’s invasion constitutes a violation of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest Memorandum, and Russia’s own international commitments.

In parallel, senior Ukrainian officials engaged in security discussions in the UK. Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President JD Vance.

According to Yermak and Umerov, the talks addressed security challenges and steps toward a just and durable peace. Both officials stressed that any settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, exclude recognition of occupation, and fully end Russian aggression.

Yermak noted that a ceasefire is necessary but that the frontline does not constitute a border. He added that partners would continue military, financial, and sanctions support until the aggression stops.

Following the meetings, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s positions had been clearly communicated to partners and that all relevant risks were being considered.

He also stated he had not heard any doubts from partners regarding the United States’ ability to ensure that the war concludes, noting that the US President “has the levers and the determination” to achieve this.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia, stressing that the Constitution already defines the country’s borders and “no one will step back from this.”

He warned that agreements made without Ukraine or against its interests would be “dead decisions” and reaffirmed readiness to work with President Trump and partners toward a lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.

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