LONDON

The upcoming summit between the American and Russian presidents in the US state of Alaska must lead to a ceasefire wanted by US President Donald Trump and accepted by Ukraine, the French foreign minister said Monday.

Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X that EU foreign ministers reiterated support for Ukraine and aspire to a just and lasting peace.

His remarks followed an informal videoconference of EU foreign affairs ministers that discussed developments ahead of Trump's meeting Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The summit to be held in Alaska must lead to the ceasefire desired by President Trump and accepted by Ukraine five months ago already," said Barrot. "It is on this basis that negotiations can finally begin."

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after the meeting that transatlantic unity, support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia are "how we will end this war and prevent future Russian aggression in Europe."

- 'Ukraine must be part of any agreement leading to just, lasting peace'

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated that European countries stand by the side of Ukraine "in these critical days," closely coordinated with transatlantic partners.

"We support the goal of @potus (US President Donald Trump) to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," he wrote on X, noting that the result must be "a just & lasting peace."

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also welcomed the US initiative to reach an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

"Ukraine must be part of any agreement leading to a just and lasting peace," he wrote on X, adding that European and transatlantic unity is key.

"As EU, we are fully committed to support efforts for a durable solution," he said.