EU leaders say Ukraine should have freedom to decide its future ahead of Trump-Putin summit

Statement on Ukrainian sovereignty endorsed by all European Union leaders except for Hungary’s Viktor Orbán

Tthe ruined frontline town of Kostyantynivka, the site of heavy battles with the Russian troops in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Iryna Rybakova/Ukraine's 93rd Mechanized Brigade via AP)

All but one of the European heads of state and government have said that Ukrainians must have the freedom to decide their future, ahead of a high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

“Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities,” the leaders said, adding that “we share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”