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.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Saturday (27 September) that the threat from drones was "high" and that the country would take mea...
The United States said it would revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro's visa after he took to New York's streets on Friday in a pro-Palestinian dem...
Moldova's election authority excluded the pro-Russian political party 'Greater Moldova' from participating in Sunday's parliamentary vote due to suspe...
Unidentified drones were observed near military installations in Denmark overnight, the Armed Forces said on Saturday, according to broadcaster DR, fo...
Ukrainian drones on 27 September struck an oil pumping station in the Russian Volga riverside region of Chuvashia, causing the station to halt work, r...
Ukrainian drones on 27 September struck an oil pumping station in the Russian Volga riverside region of Chuvashia, causing the station to halt work, regional governor Oleg Nikolaev said in a statement posted on Telegram.
U.S. stock markets ended higher on Friday, following largely in-line inflation figures, although indices recorded losses over the week.
The UN Security Council on Friday vetoed a draft resolution submitted by Russia and China that sought to delay the “snapback” sanctions on Iran. The resolution received only four votes in favour, with nine members voting against and two abstaining.
At least 10 people have been killed in the Philippines after Tropical Storm Bualoi brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the country, officials confirmed Friday.
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 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.
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.
Video from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) showed on Friday (19 September) the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupting and spewing lava.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Saturday (27 September) that the threat from drones was "high" and that the country would take measures to defend itself.
The United States said it would revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro's visa after he took to New York's streets on Friday in a pro-Palestinian demonstration and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey President Donald Trump's orders.
Moldova's election authority excluded the pro-Russian political party 'Greater Moldova' from participating in Sunday's parliamentary vote due to suspected illegal financing, officials said on Saturday.
Unidentified drones were observed near military installations in Denmark overnight, the Armed Forces said on Saturday, according to broadcaster DR, following several drone incursions near airports and critical infrastructure this week.
Ukrainian drones on 27 September struck an oil pumping station in the Russian Volga riverside region of Chuvashia, causing the station to halt work, regional governor Oleg Nikolaev said in a statement posted on Telegram.
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