Speaking at a joint press conference in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, von der Leyen outlined Europe’s position ahead of Monday’s summit at The White House, where EU leaders will join U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss the path to a possible peace agreement.
“Ukraine must be able to uphold its sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” von der Leyen said. “There can be no limitations on Ukrainian armed forces — be it cooperation with or assistance from third countries.”
She also reaffirmed the EU’s long-term support, stating: “We will support you for as long as it takes for a just and lasting peace.”
Von der Leyen called for Ukraine to become a “steel porcupine,” resilient to future invasions, and highlighted efforts to boost European defence production, particularly in drone manufacturing.
On territorial matters, she was unequivocal: “International borders cannot be changed by force. These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone — and cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.”
The European Commission president confirmed a 19th sanctions package against Russia is being prepared for early September. The EU has already adopted 18 rounds of sanctions since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Zelenskyy welcomed the EU’s position, but emphasised that any resolution involving territorial concessions must be addressed directly between Ukraine and Russia — and only with Kyiv’s involvement. “So far, Russia gives no sign that a trilateral meeting will happen. And if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,” he said.
Commenting on Trump’s recent Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy said: “I don’t know what Putin and President Trump actually talked about. I want President Trump to tell me the details.”
He added that real security guarantees for Ukraine must involve sustained military support — from Europe and the U.S. — including funding, weapons and modern air defences.
“As far as the White House is concerned, I am in a very productive mood,” Zelenskyy said, ahead of Monday’s talks in Washington.
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Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to broaden their strategic partnership and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, the Uzbek presidency said on Friday following a phone call between the two leaders.
Over 100,000 people have been evacuated in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province as floodwaters continue to rise, officials said on Friday.
Nearly a week after a magnitude 6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, more than 2,200 people have died and tens of thousands are homeless. Residents of Bambakot and other villages are living under tents, too afraid to return to their damaged homes.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on Friday that his country would enter a phase of “armed struggle” if attacked.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Qatar announced the launch of an air bridge Saturday to deliver aid to Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake, one day after confirming that nine aircraft had already arrived in Kabul.
Ukrainian drones hit the roof of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant training centre, causing no major damage and no increase in radiation levels, the Russian-installed administration of the Russia-held plant in Ukraine said on Saturday.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to broaden their strategic partnership and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, the Uzbek presidency said on Friday following a phone call between the two leaders.
Over 100,000 people have been evacuated in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province as floodwaters continue to rise, officials said on Friday.
Nearly a week after a magnitude 6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, more than 2,200 people have died and tens of thousands are homeless. Residents of Bambakot and other villages are living under tents, too afraid to return to their damaged homes.
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