EU leaders demand “credible and convincing security guarantees” for Ukraine: joint statement
10 August 2025 09:04
EU leaders and key allies have expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities in Ukraine. However, they believe that peace agreements should be concluded on the condition that Ukraine’s sovereignty and security are preserved. Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska scheduled for August 15 has already triggered extensive consultations between Washington, Kyiv, and European capitals.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
At the center of the negotiating agenda is the search for a compromise between the desire for an early truce and the need to prevent territorial concessions. European leaders insist that decisions must be made with the participation of Kyiv and comply with the principle of non-use of force to change internationally recognized borders.
Support of the European Union
In a joint statement, the heads of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and the President of the European Commission said: “The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be defined without Ukraine”.
European leaders reaffirmed their readiness to facilitate US President Donald Trump’s diplomacy by maintaining military and financial assistance to Kyiv and increasing pressure on Moscow. They demanded “credible and convincing security guarantees” to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Poland, the Baltic states, and the Czech Republic emphasize that any territorial concessions are unacceptable. The foreign ministers of Estonia and Latvia stated: “Changing borders by force would destroy the foundations of international security.”
EU leaders noted that the starting point for negotiations could be the current front line, but that dialogue is possible only under a ceasefire or a significant reduction in hostilities.
Washington: active diplomacy
On August 9, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance held talks in Channing, England, with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Ukrainian representatives, and EU diplomats. Washington characterized the meeting as “significant progress” on the road to ending the war. A few days earlier, US Special Representative Steve Whitkoff held talks in Moscow with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to discuss the terms of the truce and mechanisms for monitoring it. Afterward, Trump announced “great progress” and proximity to an agreement. The US and Russian presidents will meet in Alaska on Monday, August 15.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their “unwavering support” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and their intention to seek a “just and lasting peace.”
Macron said: “The future of Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukrainians… Europe will also definitely take part because its security is at stake.”
According to NBC News, the Trump administration is considering inviting Zelenskiy to Anchorage, Alaska, but there is no confirmation yet.
Kyiv: refusal to make concessions
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the meeting in Channing constructive: “All our arguments were heard.” He reiterated: “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupiers.”
Kyiv is confident that concessions of territories will encourage Russian aggression and insists on negotiations only with full respect for sovereignty and with Ukraine’s obligatory participation.
Moscow: readiness on its own terms
The Kremlin has confirmed Vladimir Putin’s participation in the summit with Donald Trump and intends to consolidate Russia’s control over Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.
Despite the fact that Russian troops do not fully control these territories, Moscow is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, according to US media.
Military situation
Fighting continues along the front line, which is over 1,000 kilometers long. Russia holds about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, but the summer offensive did not bring any breakthroughs.
Experts believe that Moscow may use the talks to consolidate its current positions. Ukrainian military analysts emphasize that success at the negotiating table is possible only if pressure is maintained at the front.
