European Leaders Reaffirm Unwavering Support for Ukraine, Call for Immediate Ceasefire and Strong Security Guarantees.
Europe:
In a significant display of unity, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 7 to reaffirm their steadfast support for Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russia’s invasion and to discuss the next steps toward achieving a just and lasting peace.
The four leaders emphasized that Europe must play a central role in any future settlement of the conflict, working closely with Ukraine, broader European partners, and the United States. They reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity while ensuring that any peace process remains coordinated with Kyiv and its allies.
Praise for Ukraine’s Military Achievements
During the meeting, the leaders welcomed recent Ukrainian military gains, including the liberation of additional territory and the innovative use of advanced drone technology on the battlefield. They described Ukraine’s evolving military capabilities as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its armed forces.
At the same time, they strongly condemned Russia’s continuing missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the repeated use of Oreshnik missiles. The leaders expressed concern over the growing civilian casualties resulting from these attacks and denounced Russian drone incursions into NATO territory, calling them irresponsible and dangerous. They extended their condolences to all victims of the conflict.
Focus on Upcoming International Summits
The leaders discussed how forthcoming international gatherings—including the G7 Summit in Evian, the next meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, and the NATO Summit in Ankara—could be utilized to coordinate additional support for Ukraine.
They agreed that stronger measures are needed to increase pressure on Russia’s war economy and pledged to seek enhanced military and defense commitments for Ukraine at the NATO summit. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding the production of missile interceptors, jointly developing anti-ballistic missile systems and deep-strike capabilities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The leaders also highlighted the value of Ukraine’s battlefield experience, suggesting that NATO allies and European defense industries can learn from Ukrainian innovations while strengthening long-term defense cooperation with Kyiv.
Five Principles for a Lasting Peace
A key outcome of the meeting was the articulation of five core principles that the leaders believe should underpin any future peace settlement.
Immediate Ceasefire
The leaders called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire as the first essential step toward ending the conflict.
Respect for Territorial Integrity
They stated that the current line of contact should serve as the starting point for negotiations and stressed that international borders must not be altered through military force. Ukraine’s right to determine its own security arrangements and international alliances, they said, must be fully respected.
Binding Security Guarantees
The leaders insisted that Ukraine must receive robust and legally binding security guarantees once a ceasefire takes effect. These guarantees would build upon commitments previously agreed in Berlin and Paris and would include the deployment of a Multinational Force for Ukraine.
Continued Freeze on Russian Assets
They agreed that Russian sovereign assets should remain frozen until Russia ends its military aggression and provides compensation for the destruction and damage caused during the war.
Protection of European Security Interests
The leaders emphasized that European security interests must be safeguarded throughout any peace negotiations. Any issues relating to the European Union or NATO would require the approval of EU member states and NATO allies, respectively.
Support for Direct Ukraine-Russia Dialogue
The European leaders welcomed President Zelenskyy’s recent call for ending the war through diplomacy, referring to his June 4 letter to the Russian leadership. They expressed support for a direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with active participation from both the United States and European partners, aimed at securing a ceasefire and advancing broader peace negotiations.
Concluding the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stand firmly alongside Ukraine, stressing that the country’s security, prosperity, and sovereignty are inseparable from the broader security architecture of Europe and the Euro-Atlantic region.
The joint statement signals a renewed push by Europe’s leading powers to strengthen support for Ukraine while laying out a framework they believe could lead to a sustainable and equitable resolution of the war.
