European nations reaffirmed on Tuesday that Ukraine must determine its own future, issuing a joint statement ahead of Friday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. The conflict began in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The statement, endorsed by 26 EU member states, excluded Hungary, which refused to sign. “The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. Meaningful negotiations can only occur in the context of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities,” said the European Council, while welcoming Mr. Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
Neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nor any European leaders are expected to attend the Alaska talks. Mr. Trump has said he will brief European leaders and Mr. Zelenskyy after meeting with Mr. Putin.
European leaders have voiced concerns that Washington and Moscow might reach an agreement without involving Kyiv or the EU. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called a virtual summit with Mr. Trump, Mr. Zelenskyy, and EU leaders for Wednesday.
Mr. Trump has suggested that some “territorial swaps” may be necessary for a ceasefire—an idea firmly rejected by Mr. Zelenskyy. Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose government maintains relatively close ties with Moscow, defended his country’s refusal to sign, saying the statement set conditions for a meeting to which the EU itself had not been invited.
