EU reaffirms commitment to "just and lasting peace" for Ukraine

European Council President Antonio Costa has reiterated that achieving a "just and lasting peace" for Ukraine remains the collective objective of European leaders, emphasizing that comprehensive international support represents an essential component toward reaching this goal. The statement follows coordinated discussions among Western leaders after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

European coordination efforts

Costa confirmed he participated in a call with Zelenskyy and other European leaders following the Ukrainian president's Friday engagement with Trump. In a social media statement, the European Council president outlined that "military, financial, and diplomatic support, as well as security guarantees, are essential to achieving" the shared peace objective. He further indicated that EU leaders would deliberate on specific measures to strengthen European support and intensify pressure on Russia during next week's European Council gathering.

International support solidarity

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also participated in the multilateral discussion, which included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Starmer separately affirmed the United Kingdom's "unwavering commitment to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression," confirming continued British humanitarian assistance and military support. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reinforced the European position by characterizing continental solidarity with Ukraine as currently "more important than ever before."

Diplomatic context

The coordinated European statements follow Zelenskyy's characterization of his extended conversation with Trump as potentially helping move the conflict "closer to an end," with discussions covering military capabilities and diplomatic possibilities. The diplomatic activity occurs amid announcements of planned talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, creating a complex international landscape for potential Ukraine peace negotiations.