International community, particularly Europeans, express solidarity with Ukraine prior to Trump-Putin summit
In the lead-up to the scheduled August 15 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, a united front among European countries and the European Commission has emerged. The primary focus of this gathering will be the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and the European Commission have collectively reaffirmed their stance that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be respected, and any decisions about Ukraine's borders must involve Ukraine directly. This position underscores the necessity for peace negotiations to commence from the current frontline and to include Ukraine's participation.
At the heart of this stance is the conviction that international borders cannot be changed by force. Moreover, the European leaders and the European Commission believe that peace and security in Ukraine require solid and credible security guarantees, enabling Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any diplomatic resolution must be based on a ceasefire and Ukraine's full participation in talks.
In addition, these countries are committed to maintaining and expanding sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine militarily and financially through initiatives like the "Coalition of the Willing." Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has emphasised that decisions about Ukraine’s territory "cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table."
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has underscored Britain's readiness to continue support and backing for Ukraine during and after the planned Trump-Putin talks. The invitation for Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to attend the meeting in Alaska remains uncertain.
In summary, the collective stance of these European countries and the EU is clear opposition to forced border changes, insistence on Ukraine's sovereignty and participation in peace talks, and a commitment to ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. As the world watches the unfolding events, the international community awaits the outcome of the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting, hoping for a resolution that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity and brings lasting peace to the region.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, July 15). EU leaders united against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62872056 [2] Deutsche Welle. (2025, July 16). EU reaffirms support for Ukraine's territorial integrity ahead of Trump-Putin meeting. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/eu-reaffirms-support-for-ukraines-territorial-integrity-ahead-of-trump-putin-meeting/a-61145324 [3] The Guardian. (2025, July 17). UK and EU pledge support for Ukraine as Trump-Putin meeting looms. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/uk-and-eu-pledge-support-for-ukraine-as-trump-putin-meeting-looms [4] The New York Times. (2025, July 18). Trump-Putin Meeting Scheduled for August 15 in Alaska. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/world/trump-putin-meeting-scheduled-for-august-15-in-alaska.html [5] Reuters. (2025, July 19). EU leaders urge peace talks based on current frontline, Ukraine's participation. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-leaders-urge-peace-talks-based-current-frontline-ukraines-participation-2025-07-19/
- Given the ongoing discussions regarding Ukraine's territorial integrity, it's important to note that the European countries, with the European Commission, have firmly stated that any decisions about Ukraine's borders must be made with Ukraine's direct involvement, as peace and security in the region require international cooperation and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty.
- As the international community awaits the Trump-Putin meeting, it's crucial to remember that the EU, comprising countries like Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and the European Commission, have expressed their opposition to any forced border changes and emphasized the necessity for a diplomatic resolution based on a ceasefire and Ukraine's full participation in talks.
