Sun 10 August 2025:

The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine, European leaders have said, ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The joint leaders’ statement from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission said: “We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”

“We agree that these vital interests include the need for robust and credible security guarantees that enable Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny.”

“Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities.”

“The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.”

“The current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.”

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Ukraine ‘fully supports’ joint statement

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Kyiv “values and fully supports” a joint statement by European leaders on achieving peace in Ukraine while protecting Ukrainian and European interests.

“The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people today for the sake of peace in Ukraine, which is defending the vital security interests of our European nations,” he wrote on X.

“Ukraine values and fully supports the statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Starmer, President Ursula von der Leyen, and President Stubb on peace for Ukraine.”

Trump, Putin potential plan

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are reportedly planning to negotiate a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, with a potential meeting scheduled in Alaska on August 15.

Trump’s plan, based on recent reports, involves a ceasefire along current battle lines, potentially allowing Russia to retain control over occupied territories like Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea. It may also include Ukraine ceding territory and agreeing not to join NATO, in exchange for vague security guarantees.

Critics, including European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, call this a surrender, not peace, arguing it rewards Russian aggression. Putin’s demands align with maintaining control over annexed regions and restoring Russia’s gas transit through Ukraine.

Europe has countered with a proposal insisting on a ceasefire first and reciprocal territorial swaps with firm security guarantees. Zelenskyy rejects any deal excluding Ukraine’s input, emphasizing Ukrainian sovereignty.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

__________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22