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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Global investors are eyeing defence and energy sectors as European leaders rally behind Ukraine amid signs the U.S. may push Kyiv to accept a peace deal favourable to Russia.
Russia offered concessions on all five occupied Ukrainian regions during the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the U.S. may provide direct security guarantees to Ukraine, a senior American envoy has said.
The Bermuda Triangle, known for mysterious disappearances, has long sparked intrigue. But is it really a place of danger, or just a myth? In this explainer, we uncover the truth behind the legend.
Wildfires raging across Spain have scorched more than 115,000 hectares (about 284,000 acres), killed at least three people and forced thousands to evacuate, as emergency teams struggle to contain dozens of blazes.
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.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck 56 kilometres east of Gorgan in northern Iran early Sunday morning, according to preliminary seismic data.
A deadly heatwave has claimed 1,180 lives in Spain since May, with elderly people most at risk, prompting calls for urgent social support.
Media accreditation is now open for COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, set to take place in Belém, Brazil in 2025.
Global investors are eyeing defence and energy sectors as European leaders rally behind Ukraine amid signs the U.S. may push Kyiv to accept a peace deal favourable to Russia.
Russia offered concessions on all five occupied Ukrainian regions during the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the U.S. may provide direct security guarantees to Ukraine, a senior American envoy has said.
The Bermuda Triangle, known for mysterious disappearances, has long sparked intrigue. But is it really a place of danger, or just a myth? In this explainer, we uncover the truth behind the legend.
Wildfires raging across Spain have scorched more than 115,000 hectares (about 284,000 acres), killed at least three people and forced thousands to evacuate, as emergency teams struggle to contain dozens of blazes.
Top European leaders will travel to Washington on Monday to join U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy in critical talks aimed at ending the war with Russia.
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