European Union leaders pressured on Tuesday (August 12, 2025) “the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny”, simply three days earlier than US President Donald Trump was due to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
“We, the Leaders of the European Union, welcome the efforts of President Trump towards ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine,” a press release mentioned.
“A just and lasting peace that brings stability and security must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and that international borders must not be changed by force.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders are scheduled to meet with Mr. Trump on Wednesday (August 13, 2025).
Mr. Trump has been imprecise about his expectations for the Alaska summit with Mr. Putin on Friday (August 15, 2025), describing it as a “feel-out meeting” to gauge the Russian chief’s concepts for ending the struggle in Ukraine.
Mr. Zelenskyy has dominated out ceding territory seized by drive. Mr. Trump — who publicly berated Mr. Zelenskyy at a White House assembly in February — mentioned he was a “little bothered” by Zelenskyy’s stance and insisted land swaps would want to happen.
“There’ll be some swapping, there’ll be some changes in land,” he mentioned.
But Mr. Trump mentioned he would additionally inform Mr. Putin that “you’ve got to end this war”.
