On Tuesday, 21 October, the presidents of Ukraine, France, Finland, the European Commission, and the European Council; the prime ministers of Denmark, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom; and the German chancellor announced they “strongly” support US President Donald Trump’s position that the fighting should stop immediately and that “the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations”.
“We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force”, they emphasised in a joint statement.
Mr Trump is supposed to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though the date has yet to be announced. Europeans fear these leaders reaching an agreement that would run counter to Ukraine’s interests and Europe’s security.
“[W]e are clear that Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position—before, during, and after any ceasefire”, stressed the leaders, reiterating that Ukraine was “the only party serious about peace”.
They have therefore promised to step up the pressure on the Russian economy and on its defence industry “until Putin is ready to make peace”. “We are developing measures to use the full value of Russia’s immobilised sovereign assets so that Ukraine has the resources it needs”, they added.
The question of reparation loans as well as the 19th sanctions package will be discussed during the European Council meeting on 23 October. The Coalition of the Willing—which is working to provide Ukraine with security guarantees following the Russian war of aggression—will meet in London the next day with the Ukrainian president in attendance. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)