European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that only Ukraine has the right to decide on its borders, a firm stance she emphasized during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also commented on recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the peace process.
On Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
Von der Leyen reiterated that “international borders cannot be changed by force” and affirmed that any decision about Ukraine’s territory must be made by Ukraine alone, with its full presence at the negotiating table. She added that the European Union will continue sanctions against Russia for as long as the “bloodshed” in Ukraine persists.
Response to Trump’s Position on Peace
When asked about President Trump’s recent assertion that a “peace agreement is more important than a ceasefire” and that a ceasefire is not necessary to end the war, Von der Leyen responded, “The name doesn’t matter.” She explained that “what matters is the effect, and the effect must be to stop the killing.“
She also welcomed President Trump’s willingness to help provide NATO Article 5-like security guarantees to Ukraine, while reaffirming the EU’s support for Ukraine’s path to membership. She outlined the key conditions for a peace deal, which include strong security guarantees, the preservation of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty, and the freedom for Ukraine to join international organizations and receive aid.
