‘Borders Must Not Be Changed by Force’: European Leaders Issue Ukraine Warning Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit

Latest Developments

EU Underlines Ukrainian Sovereignty: European Union leaders have warned that Russia must not be allowed to change Ukrainian borders by force. In a statement issued ahead of the summit in Alaska between President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on August 15, the leaders emphasized that Kyiv must have a say in any agreement, and negotiations on territory and other issues can begin only after a “ceasefire or reduction of hostilities.” The statement was signed by 26 of the European Union’s 27 leaders, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban being the only exception.
Trump Predicts Land Swaps in Potential Deal: The statement came in the wake of Trump’s assessment that land swaps would be part of the discussion in a potential U.S.-brokered agreement to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On August 11, he clarified his position, saying that he would “feel out” Putin to determine “what the parameters are, and then I’m going to call up [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and the European leaders right after the meeting.” Trump added, “It’s not up to me to make a deal.”
Reported Russian Military Gains: Russian forces reportedly advanced at least six miles further into Ukrainian territory near the city of Dobropillia, raising concerns about the stability of Ukraine’s defense in Donetsk Oblast, from which Moscow demands that Ukrainian troops withdraw as a condition for a ceasefire. The Ukrainian military downplayed Russian gains, while Ukraine’s Azov Corps announced it had redeployed forces to the area. After expressing gratitude for the EU leaders’ support and Trump’s “determination,” Zelenskyy stated that the “Russian army is not preparing to end the war” and is instead “making movements that indicate preparation for new offensive operations.” He added, “Issues related to the security of Ukraine and Europe are discussed by all of us together. Any decision must add to our joint security capabilities.”

FDD Expert Response

“The European Union is speaking with almost one voice in support of Ukraine. Its message is clear and compelling: no grand bargains with Moscow about us without us. The only EU country breaking Europe’s solidarity is Hungary. If Vladimir Putin were demanding Hungarian lands for ‘peace’ instead of Ukrainian territory, Prime Minister Orban would no doubt call President Trump and adopt a different stance.” — Peter Doran, Adjunct Fellow

“So long as Putin continues to condition a ceasefire on unacceptable demands, peace in Ukraine will remain elusive. President Trump should deliver that message at the Alaska summit while reminding Putin that he is on the clock to make meaningful progress toward peace. Trump should warn the Russian autocrat that if he fails to do so, he will face tough economic punishment and increased Western military assistance for Kyiv, including the sale of longer-range missiles from U.S. stocks to NATO allies for transfer to Ukraine.” — John Hardie, FDD Russia Program Deputy Director

“The Kremlin seeks to use American eagerness for peace to leverage its maximalist demands, demanding that Ukraine cede territory and abandon all hope of joining NATO. Putin is playing a deceptive game, using negotiations to buy more time to lock in his military gains while leaving Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian aggression. Trump would be wise to focus on steps that increase U.S. and Ukrainian leverage by imposing more sanctions on Russia and providing Ukraine with more weapons.” — Ivana Stradner, Research Fellow