About to meet with Trump and Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union will maintain his support for Ukraine ‘the time it is necessary’ and argued that the country is entitled to its territorial integrity
The president of the European Commission, said on Sunday (17) that the will keep your support for “The time it is necessary,” noting that the country is entitled to its territorial integrity and that “borders cannot be altered by force.” The statement, highlighted by The Guardian newspaper, was made at a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodmir Zelenski, in a moment of strong disagreements with the position of US President Donald Trump, who argues that Kiev gives russia to Russia in exchange for peace. The American’s speech took place hours after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday (15).
Zelenski and Trump are expected to meet in Washington on Monday (18) with the presence of European leaders such as Von Der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Friedrich Merz, Chancellor at Germany. “These are decisions that should be made by Ukraine and only by Ukraine. They cannot be decided without the country at the table,” he said. She also praised Trump’s willingness to offer NATO -like security guarantees, but stressed that the EU will continue to press Moscow, including the 19th Pack of Sanctions already in preparation.
The European leader emphasized that Kiev should continue to strengthen her armed forces-“an indigestible steel pork for potential invaders,” in her words-and has ensured that the European Union will continue to expand Ukraine’s ability to defend, especially in the field of drones. It also reaffirmed that the country’s adhesion process to the European Union remains in progress, which would represent a guarantee of strategic security. Zelenski, in turn, ruled out any possibility of giving up territories, noting that “the constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible to negotiate land.” “The territorial issue can only be discussed between Ukraine and Russia, with the United States as mediators,” he said. The president also highlighted the need for a ceasefire before any “final agreement.”
“It is essential that Europe remains as united as in February 2022, to stop the deaths,” Zelenski said, adding that Putin maintains “many demands, but we don’t know them all.” According to him, the “strategic direction” of Russia is “anti -orapeia” and should therefore be limited. He also stressed that there can be no division between Moldova and Ukraine. The position contrasts with Trump’s speech, which, after meeting Vladimir Putin in Alaska, said that Ukraine should “make a deal” and deliver territories like Donetsk and Luhansk, stating that “Russia is power, they don’t.” The proposal was rejected by Kiev and received criticism from European leaders, who see risks in negotiating while the conflict is still active.
*With information from Estadão Content
