European leaders have welcomed United States President Donald Trump’s effort to advance negotiations on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, while setting clear parameters for any next steps: Kyiv must be at the table, there can be no external veto over its Euro-Atlantic path, and security guarantees must be “ironclad”.
The joint statement followed Mr Trump’s 15 August meeting with the Russian President in Alaska and an early-morning debrief to European counterparts and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Issued in the names of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and European Council President António Costa, the text records Mr Trump’s line that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal” and notes he will meet Mr Zelenskyy “soon”. The leaders said they are ready to work with Washington and Kyiv towards a US-Ukraine-Russia trilateral summit “with European support”.
The statement sets out several constraints. It stresses that Ukraine must receive robust security guarantees to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, welcomes Mr Trump’s indication that the United States is prepared to provide such assurances, and states that a “Coalition of the Willing” stands ready to play an active role. It adds that no limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its defence cooperation with third countries, and that Russia cannot have a veto over Ukraine’s pathway to the EU and NATO. Decisions on territory, the leaders say, rest with Ukraine; international borders must not be changed by force.
Those points build on coordination among allies earlier in the week. On 13 August, the French, UK and German leaders co-chaired a virtual session of the Coalition of the Willing with Mr Zelenskyy and US Vice-President J. D. Vance ahead of the Alaska meeting, to align expectations and signal the scope of potential security commitments.
The Alaska encounter ended without a written deal or ceasefire. Mr Trump described the talks as “very productive” but confirmed that no agreement had been reached; reporting likewise pointed to an inconclusive outcome, with further contacts expected.
European and Ukrainian media have reported that Mr Trump told counterparts the Russian side wished to move directly to terms for ending the war rather than a temporary pause. Separately, he has been quoted discussing ideas involving exchanges of territory, saying any arrangement would require Ukraine’s consent. The European leaders’ statement does not refer to territorial trade-offs and reiterates that only Ukraine can take decisions on its territory.
A related line of discussion concerns the design of security guarantees. According to subsequent reporting, US and European officials have explored “Article 5-style” guarantees for Ukraine outside NATO structures, without final parameters disclosed. The European text’s emphasis on “ironclad” assurances indicates broad alignment on the need for enforceable commitments, while leaving the mechanism open.
Next steps centre on direct engagement between Washington and Kyiv. President Zelenskyy is due in the US capital on Monday, 18 August, for follow-up talks with Mr Trump. European capitals have indicated readiness to support preparations for a trilateral format and to continue assistance to maintain Ukraine’s capacity while talks proceed.
Sanctions and wider economic pressure remain part of the European approach. The joint statement says measures against Russia will be strengthened and sustained until there is a “just and lasting peace”, and reaffirms ongoing military, financial and political support for Kyiv. The stated aim is to deter further aggression while a structured diplomatic track develops with Ukrainian participation at every stage.
In summary, Europe’s position is tightly defined: inclusion of Ukraine in all talks; security guarantees capable of practical enforcement; no limits on Ukraine’s defence capacity or partnerships; no Russian veto on its Euro-Atlantic trajectory; and no alteration of internationally recognised borders by force. The extent to which these conditions are reflected in proposals that may emerge from the Washington meeting and any subsequent trilateral summit will determine the scope for progress.
