EU pledges full support for Ukraine’s sovereign role in Russia peace talks

The European Union has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s sovereign right to make independent decisions in negotiations with Russia.

European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta confirmed this in a statement to RBC-Ukraine.

Representatives from Britain, the EU, Ukraine, and the United States are meeting in London today to coordinate their positions ahead of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the conflict in Ukraine will be a key topic.

Podesta noted that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been in contact with EU leaders in preparation for the London meeting and will continue to maintain communication with them afterwards.

She emphasised that the EU supports peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, and Ukraine is free to make independent sovereign decisions during these negotiations, which the EU will support.

Last night, President Trump announced that he will meet with Putin on August 15 in Alaska to discuss the war in Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Putin may present an ultimatum during the meeting, demanding recognition of Russian-controlled territories in exchange for withdrawing troops from other occupied areas.

An official indicated that Ukraine and other European governments are likely to reject this proposal, which could play into Putin’s hands, as Trump might accuse Ukraine of prolonging the war.

It is also noted that Putin proposed the meeting more to maintain pressure on Trump than to reach a peace agreement.

By Tamilla Hasanova