EU Leaders Declare Ukraine’s Right to Self-Determination Ahead of US-Russia Talks

UPDATE: EU leaders have just reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to “choose its own destiny” just days before a critical meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on July 14, 2023. This urgent declaration comes amid rising tensions and uncertainty regarding the future of Ukraine as the war escalates.

During an extraordinary meeting of European foreign ministers on Tuesday, attended by Tánaiste Simon Harris, leaders emphasized that any “just and lasting peace” must uphold international law, particularly Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The meeting saw support from 26 EU leaders, excluding Hungary, who backed a joint statement calling for meaningful negotiations contingent upon a ceasefire or reduced hostilities.

Harris stressed the importance of the EU’s engagement with the US ahead of the upcoming talks. “While the war is fought on Ukrainian soil, it is also a war on the continent of Europe,” he declared. He noted that the conflict directly impacts Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and called for intensified collaboration with the US.

“It was agreed that the EU will continue intensive engagement with the US and remain united in our unwavering support for Ukraine,” Harris added.

As tensions mount, Trump has confirmed he plans to discuss “land swapping” with Putin during their summit, raising concerns among diplomats about the implications for Ukraine. Trump expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his conditions regarding any deal, particularly the requirement for constitutional approval for any peace agreement involving Russian control over occupied territories.

“I was a little bothered by the fact that Zelenskyy was saying I have to get constitutional approval,” Trump stated at the White House. “He has approval to go to war and kill everybody but he needs approval to do a land swap.”

European diplomats are increasingly alarmed by the lack of clarity from Washington on the specific territories Russia seeks and the terms of a potential ceasefire. Discrepancies in US accounts of Russia’s demands have heightened fears that Trump, keen to showcase his rapport with Putin, could make concessions detrimental to Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The upcoming meeting in Alaska is set to be a pivotal moment, not just for Ukraine, but for European security as a whole. Observers are urging the EU to maintain a united front and ensure that negotiations do not compromise Ukraine’s fundamental rights and interests.

As the situation develops, the world watches closely. What will transpire in Alaska could reshape the landscape of European diplomacy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.