LONDON
The leaders of Britain, France and Germany said negotiations to end the war in Ukraine must be based on a ceasefire, security guarantees for Kyiv and respect for international borders ahead of talks Friday between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The conditions were outlined during a virtual meeting Monday of the "Coalition of the Willing" grouping co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who were joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance.
In a readout afterwards, they said they welcomed Trump’s “efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve a just and lasting peace.”
"They were clear that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine," the statement said. "It was necessary to continue an approach that combined active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia. A diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests."
The leaders reiterated four key points.
"First, meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or a lasting and significant cessation of hostilities.
"Second, sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy should be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Alaska.
"Third, international borders must not be changed by force.
"Fourth, Ukraine must have robust and credible security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role, including through plans by those willing to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia could not have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to the EU and NATO."
The face-to-face meeting will be the first between sitting Russian and US presidents since 2021, when Putin met then-US President Joe Biden in Geneva, Switzerland. It will also mark the first time a Russian president sets foot on Alaskan soil since the Russian Empire sold the territory to the US in 1867.