European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine ahead of Zelenskyy-Trump meeting
Illustrative photo: Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Keir Starmer, Donald Tusk (Getty Images)
European leaders and partners reaffirmed their support for Ukraine ahead of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with US President Donald Trump, according to statements from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Federal Government Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said all participants in the discussion, including representatives from the Nordic countries, Canada, the Netherlands, and NATO, agreed on the critical importance of security guarantees for Ukraine.
He added that such guarantees directly affect Poland's own security. Tusk noted that further consultations will take place after the US-Ukraine leaders' meeting.
Germany
German Federal Government Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said that, at the initiative of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Zelenskyy held a closed briefing Saturday evening for heads of state and government from several European countries, as well as EU and NATO representatives.
The meeting focused on preparations for upcoming peace talks with the US President.
According to Kornelius, 11 European leaders and prime ministers, along with EU and NATO officials, assured Ukraine of full support and confirmed their readiness to work closely with the US to achieve a strong and fair peace.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia's overnight strikes on Kyiv demonstrated Moscow’s lack of interest in ending the war in Ukraine, reports France24, citing the Élysée Palace.
During a phone call with President Zelenskyy, Macron emphasized what he called the "contrast" between "the willingness of Ukraine to build a lasting peace and Russia's determination to prolong the war that it started."
European Council
European Council President António Costa, who also participated in the phone call with Zelenskyy, did not provide details but stressed that "a strong and prosperous Ukraine in the EU is a core security guarantee."
He added that recent EU decisions have strengthened Ukraine, including the funding for Ukraine's needs and the long-term immobilization of Russian assets.
Talks with EU and Canadian leaders
Ahead of his Florida visit for talks with US President Donald Trump, President Zelenskyy met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and held an online meeting with European leaders.
Carney announced additional economic aid to Ukraine totaling $2.5 billion, which he said will help Ukraine secure financing from the International Monetary Fund.
At a joint press conference, Carney thanked President Zelenskyy for meeting with him during this critical moment in the peace process.
