European and Allied Leaders Pledge Increased Pressure on Russia to Secure Lasting Peace in Ukraine.
London:
A group of European and allied leaders on Monday issued a joint statement reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine and committing to intensify pressure on Russia to bring Moscow to the negotiating table in earnest, as efforts continue to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The statement was jointly released by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The leaders underscored the urgent need to increase coordinated political, economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia in order to compel it to engage seriously in negotiations aimed at ending the war. They reiterated that any peace process must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and must result in a durable and just settlement.
In their statement, the leaders reaffirmed their strong and united support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, commending their resilience and determination in the face of Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion. They emphasized that continued support for Ukraine remains essential not only for European security but also for upholding international law and the rules-based global order.
The leaders committed to working closely together in the coming days and weeks to achieve rapid progress toward jointly concluding and endorsing an agreement that would pave the way for lasting peace. They stressed that unity among partners would remain critical to ensuring the effectiveness of these efforts.
Notably, the joint statement remains open for other countries to join, signaling a broader call for international solidarity and collective action in support of peace in Ukraine.
The declaration reflects renewed diplomatic momentum among European and allied partners as the conflict continues, with an emphasis on unity, sustained pressure on Russia, and steadfast backing for Ukraine’s right to defend itself and secure a peaceful future.
