European Leaders Emphasize Unity with Ukraine Ahead of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Meeting in Washington
In anticipation of a pivotal meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ in Washington, European leaders have stressed the importance of standing together with Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace.
On Sunday, these European leaders engaged in a video call with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, setting the stage for Monday’s discussions with US President Donald Trump.
The talks centered on crucial issues such as halting the conflict in Ukraine, maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions, empowering Ukraine to make decisions regarding its territory, and providing robust security guarantees to safeguard both Ukraine and Europe’s security interests.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters on Sunday evening, underscored the gravity of the situation ahead of the Washington talks, emphasizing its significance for both Ukraine and Europe.
Macron warned against displaying weakness in the face of Russia, stating that it could pave the way for future conflicts. He expressed the collective desire of Ukraine’s allies for a strong and enduring peace in the region, with a firm commitment to upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed Macron’s sentiments, highlighting the united stance of the Coalition countries in supporting Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also reiterated her unwavering support for Ukrainian security, emphasizing Ukraine’s autonomy in discussing conditions on its territory.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the necessity of clear security guarantees for Ukraine from the United States and Europe in ongoing negotiations. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul commended German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders for standing by Zelenskyy in the upcoming talks.
The display of European solidarity comes amidst reports of potential flexibility from Russian President Vladimir Putin during talks with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. Putin has reportedly shown willingness to consider a security guarantee for Ukraine similar to NATO’s Article 5, which stipulates collective defense among member states.
While details on the agreement remain sparse, this development signals a significant shift in Putin’s approach. The stage is set for critical discussions aimed at securing a lasting peace in the region. — Euronews
