KYIV, Aug 10: European nations have backed Ukraine, stating that peace in the war-torn nation cannot be resolved without Kyiv, ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s meeting in Alaska aims to discuss ending the three-year war, while Zelenskyy praised European allies and expressed gratitude to everyone who stands with Ukraine and its people.
The Trump-Putin meeting may prove pivotal in a war that began when Russia invaded its western neighbor and has led to tens of thousands of deaths.
The statement, signed by the president of the European Union and leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the UK, stressed the need for a “just and lasting peace” for Kyiv, including “robust and credible” security guarantees.
The Kremlin has held out for terms more to its liking, and Trump has moved up an ultimatum to impose additional sanctions on Russia and introduce secondary tariffs if the Kremlin does not move toward a settlement. (AP)
