Translated with AI
The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine's participation. This was stated in a joint statement by the leaders of the 26 European Union member states, published on Tuesday on the EU Council website ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska. Hungary did not support the statement.
"The people of Ukraine must be free to decide their future. Meaningful negotiations can only take place under conditions of a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities," the statement reads.
EU leaders welcomed Washington's efforts to end the conflict, but stressed that a fair and sustainable settlement must comply with international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inadmissibility of changing international borders by force.
The document states that the European Union will continue to provide Kyiv with political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic assistance, and will maintain existing sanctions against Russia and introduce new restrictions in coordination with the United States and other partners.
The authors of the document emphasized that a Ukraine capable of effectively defending itself is an essential element of any future security guarantees. The EU and its Member States are ready to contribute to ensuring such guarantees, acting in accordance with international law and national security and defense interests.
In addition, the statement reaffirms its readiness to continue supporting Ukraine on its path to membership in the European Union.
Hungary was the only EU country not to accede to the document. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has previously stated repeatedly that the rejection of Russian energy supplies negatively impacts the EU economy, and that arms supplies to Kyiv, in his view, only prolong the conflict.
