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.
Germany’s coalition partners have agreed on a draft bill on Thursday (November 13) that would introduce a voluntary military service as the country ...
Prosecutors in Milan have opened an investigation into allegations that Italian nationals paid Bosnian Serb soldiers for trips to the hills around Sar...
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed longtime ally and former finance minister Mwigulu Nchemba as prime minister, following a disput...
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will appeal his conviction for conspiring to secure illegal Libyan funding for his 2007 election campaign, wit...
Mali’s foreign minister has rejected claims that jihadists could soon capture the capital, calling them unrealistic. It was the government’s first...
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed longtime ally and former finance minister Mwigulu Nchemba as prime minister, following a disputed election that triggered deadly unrest and drew international concern over human rights abuses.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will appeal his conviction for conspiring to secure illegal Libyan funding for his 2007 election campaign, with hearings set from 16 March to 3 June, the Paris appeal court said on Thursday (13 November).
Mali’s foreign minister has rejected claims that jihadists could soon capture the capital, calling them unrealistic. It was the government’s first detailed response to growing security concerns that prompted Western nations to advise their citizens to leave the country.
India’s Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Wednesday landed a C-130J transport aircraft at the new Mudh-Nyoma air force station in Ladakh, a senior defence official said.
A source has confirmed to Anewz that all bodies of the 20 victims in the Turkish Military place crash have been recovered by search teams in Georgia's Sighnaghi municipality.
Two earthquakes centered in Cyprus on Wednesday were felt across northern and central regions of Israel, raising concerns among residents in both countries. The first tremor occurred at 11:31 a.m., with the epicenter near Paphos, Cyprus, at a depth of 21 kilometers.
Georgian Interior Minister Geka Geladze has visited the site of the Turkish military helicopter crash in Sighnaghi Municipality, near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border.
Mali's Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, sharply criticised France and Algeria on Tuesday (11 November) for allegedly supporting terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region. His comments came during the opening of the Bamako Military Exhibition (BAMEX).
Anewz correspondent Nini Nikoleishvili reports from site of crashed Turkish military plane in Sighnaghi Municipality, saying that limited visibility and rugged terrain are slowing down recovery efforts.
Germany’s coalition partners have agreed on a draft bill on Thursday (November 13) that would introduce a voluntary military service as the country seeks to bolster national defences over Russian security concerns.
Prosecutors in Milan have opened an investigation into allegations that Italian nationals paid Bosnian Serb soldiers for trips to the hills around Sarajevo in the 1990s so they could shoot civilians during the city’s four-year siege.
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed longtime ally and former finance minister Mwigulu Nchemba as prime minister, following a disputed election that triggered deadly unrest and drew international concern over human rights abuses.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will appeal his conviction for conspiring to secure illegal Libyan funding for his 2007 election campaign, with hearings set from 16 March to 3 June, the Paris appeal court said on Thursday (13 November).
Mali’s foreign minister has rejected claims that jihadists could soon capture the capital, calling them unrealistic. It was the government’s first detailed response to growing security concerns that prompted Western nations to advise their citizens to leave the country.
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