“Our position is clear,” Ursula von der Leyen emphasized on Sunday during a joint press briefing with Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels. She also announced in September another, nineteenth package of economic sanctions against Russia.
European Commission Leader Sets the Tone Before the USA Flight
During Sunday’s joint press briefing with Volodymyr Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen announced in September another, nineteenth package of economic sanctions against Russia, with the European Commission finishing work on it. On August 17, she met the Ukrainian president in Brussels. Following the bilateral meeting, von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine must have the possibility to decide its own future. She also assured that EU countries would support Kyiv until a fair and lasting peace is achieved. “Our position is clear,” she said. “International borders cannot be changed by force. These decisions can only be taken by Ukraine and must involve Ukraine. We also continue to support Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union. The Commission chair highlighted the necessity of ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine, so it remains a formidable obstacle for hostile foreign forces.”
Zelensky: We Need Real Negotiations
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine needs “real negotiations”. He said, “This means we can start from the point where the front line currently sits.” He added that there is “no signal from Russia that the trilateral summit will take place”.
European Leaders Will Fly with Zelensky to Washington
On Monday, August 18, the Ukrainian president will discuss with Donald Trump the details of a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. In Kyiv, the news of Western politicians attending the U.S. president’s meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart was welcomed. According to the announcement, among others, the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb will fly to Washington. Ukrainian commentators believe that the presence of Western politicians will help Zelensky avoid tensions in his talks with Trump. They recall that in February, a confrontation occurred in the Oval Office that was interrupted. They point out that this time the stakes are very high and complications must be avoided. Washington sources suggested that a trilateral summit could take place on Friday, August 22. The Kremlin has not yet commented on the reports.
More information to come.
Kaynaklar: PAP, IAR
