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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Save the Children has pledged to expand maternal and child health services across Afghanistan after its new country director met the country’s public health minister in Kabul on Wednesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the international situation is worsening and that the world is becoming more dangerous, while avoiding public comment on several major global developments, including events in Venezuela and Iran.
Kazakhstan’s economy is set to slow in the coming years as external conditions deteriorate and geopolitical risks intensify, according to the latest forecast by the World Bank.
Representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia conducted a joint inspection of the Sadarak–Yeraskh railway section on January 15 as part of ongoing efforts to restore regional transport links.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer delivered more planes during the year.
The United States has seized a sixth Venezuela-linked tanker in the Caribbean, hours before President Donald Trump’s meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, U.S. officials told Reuters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the international situation is worsening and that the world is becoming more dangerous, while avoiding public comment on several major global developments, including events in Venezuela and Iran.
Military power is again shaping international politics as rivalry intensifies and security assumptions erode, pushing states to place renewed emphasis on readiness, deterrence and visible capability.
The number of Chinese students at Harvard University has risen despite tighter U.S. visa controls and heightened scrutiny under the Trump-led administration.
Poland will not send troops to Greenland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday, warning that any military action by one NATO member against the territory of another would fundamentally undermine the alliance and global security.
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