The statement, approved by EU leaders except for Hungary late on Aug. 11, welcomed Trump's efforts to end Russia's aggression against Kyiv and emphasized the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom to decide its future.
“The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities,” the statement said.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has wider implications for European and international security. Any diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests.
“The European Union, in coordination with the U.S, and other like-minded partners, will continue to provide political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine as Ukraine is exercising its inherent right of self-defense. It will also continue to uphold and impose restrictive measures against the Russian Federation.”
Trump is expected to join a virtual meeting of European leaders on Aug. 13.
On Aug. 6, Axios reported that Putin had suggested the U.S.-Russia summit during his meeting with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow.
The same day, Trump told European leaders in a telephone conversation that he wanted to meet with Putin as soon as next week, hoping to hold a trilateral summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy afterward.
On Aug. 8, Trump announced that he would meet Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.