Ukraine’s future and European security cannot be decided by Putin and Trump behind closed doors

The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament warns that this week’s bilateral meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska must not be allowed to decide the future of Ukraine, and European security, without the direct participation and consent of both Ukraine and the EU. Valérie Hayer (Renaissance, France), President of Renew Europe, said: "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about European security without Europe. Any discussion on our continent’s security must have Ukraine and the EU at the table; not as observers, but as decision-makers whose agreement is essential."

Valérie Hayer continued: "Borders in Europe cannot and must never again be taken by force – we learned that lesson after the Second World War. Ukraine’s sovereignty is core to Europe’s security, and we will never accept its future being decided in a closed room in Alaska without its consent or ours. Strengthening our support for Ukraine is essential, not only to help it win, but to deter further Russian aggression against Europe. It is unacceptable for Ukraine, as the country aggressed, to be sidelined in decisions about its own future."

Renew Europe MEP, Petras Auštrevičius (Lithuanian Liberal Movement, Lithuania), standing shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, added: "Peace negotiations are about securing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting people’s lives, and ensuring a European future. Only Ukrainians can decide, and their Western partners support their choices. Europe must maintain its voice and presence at the negotiating table, as the situation in Ukraine — our strategic partner — will determine our shared future." Renew Europe calls on the EU institutions and member states to undertake urgent diplomatic efforts to ensure Ukraine's voice is heard.

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