EU Leaders Affirm Ukraine’s Right To Decide Future Ahead Trump-Putin Talks

Ahead of the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, 26 European Union member states, excluding Hungary, have issued a joint statement affirming that Ukraine must have the freedom to determine its own future and must be included in any peace negotiations. European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plan to speak with Trump prior to the summit to express concerns that the U.S., Ukraine's main arms supplier, might impose unfavorable peace terms involving territorial swaps that largely affect Ukrainian land. The EU emphasized that meaningful negotiations require a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities and that any diplomatic solution should protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests, with some EU nations ready to contribute further to security guarantees. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military reported modest gains in the eastern Sumy region despite ongoing Russian offensives aimed at capturing key areas in Donetsk, as Russia seeks to establish buffer zones. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the EU's statement and suggested initiating an EU-Russia summit instead, reflecting divisions within the bloc. Cyprus also welcomed U.S. mediation efforts and reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, highlighting the broader international implications of the conflict.