Statement on the negotiations of a just peace for Ukraine based on international law and the will of the Ukrainian people

In a joint statement, lead MEPs stress that no peace in Ukraine can be negotiated without full participation of Ukraine’s democratically elected leadership and the backing of its people, AFET.

The Chaiman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister (EPP, Germany), the Chairman of the delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee Pekka Toveri (EPP, Finland), the Chairman of the delegation for relations with the US Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy), the Chairman of the delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Ville Niinistö (The Greens/EFA, Finland), the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for Ukraine Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany), the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for the US Michał Szczerba (EPP, Poland) and the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for Russia Sandra Kalniete (EPP, Latvia) issued the following statement:

“Taking note of the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on 15 August, we welcome all efforts aimed at achieving a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine that is firmly grounded in international law, the principles of the UN Charter and ensures the prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.

"With that in mind, we stress that no peace in Ukraine can be negotiated without the full participation of Ukraine’s democratically elected leadership and the backing of its people. We underline that any settlement that neglects the will of Ukraine or undermines its legitimate aspirations will be neither just nor viable.

"We emphasize that any arrangement on terms dictated by Russia or that would reward its war of aggression against Ukraine would gravely endanger the security of the European continent. It is therefore essential and urgent that the EU, its Member States and all like-minded partners and allies continue to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"In this context, we recall that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are the cornerstone of stability in Europe and globally. Aggression must never be rewarded or acknowledged – neither in Ukraine nor anywhere else. If Russia succeeds in altering Ukraine’s borders by force, the security of no country’s borders can be assured.

"We stress that peace negotiations must be preceded by an unconditional ceasefire. At the same time, we caution against the disingenuous approach to negotiations and the unserious proposals put forward by Russian leaders over the past months, which reveal their intent to prolong the war across the entire Ukrainian territory for as long as they can and as long as they are allowed to.

"We call on the European Union and its member states to remain united and steadfast in their political, economic, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine until a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is secured in full accordance with international law and the will and aspirations of the Ukrainian people.”

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