European leaders made a statement before the meeting between Putin and Trump

European leaders - the presidents of France and Finland, the prime ministers of Poland, Great Britain, Italy, the Chancellor of Germany and the President of the European Commission - issued a joint statement ahead of the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the Ukrainian press, in the statement they welcome Trump's efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and achieving a "just and lasting peace". EU leaders are confident that success is possible with a combination of active diplomacy, support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia.

"We are ready to support this work both diplomatically and through maintaining our substantial military and financial assistance to Ukraine, including through the work of the coalition of the willing, as well as through maintaining and imposing sanctions against the Russian Federation," the document states.

The statement emphasizes that a diplomatic solution must protect the vital security interests of Ukraine and all of Europe, including reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. It also notes Ukraine's right to freely choose its destiny, and negotiations can only proceed with a ceasefire or reduction in the intensity of hostilities.

"We remain committed to the principle that international borders should not be changed by force. The current line of contact should be the starting point for negotiations," the European leaders stated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for these words on Telegram, emphasizing that Ukraine "values and fully supports" their position and insists on a "fair" end to the war.