EU unity tested ahead of Alaska talks

European Union leaders endorse Ukraine's sovereignty and the right to choose its own path, while Hungary withholds endorsement.

EU Leaders Back Ukraine's Right to Decide Its Future

European Union leaders published a statement ahead of the Alaska summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Twenty six of twenty seven EU member states endorsed that Ukrainians must have the freedom to decide their future, with Hungary not signing. The leaders said meaningful negotiations can only happen in a context of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities and that any peace must respect international law, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

EU officials said the move shows unity but also the difficulty of maintaining a common line as Europe tries to influence a session from which it feels sidelined. The discussions in Alaska could hinge on ideas such as land swaps, a concept Ukraine rejects. Observers say Moscow could gain leverage if the bloc is divided. In parallel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans virtual meetings to steady EU support for Kyiv before the talks.

The episode shows how Europe tries to defend sovereignty while balancing alliance pressure from Washington and Kyiv. Orban's absence underscores the risk that a single member state can complicate a common front, especially when ties to Moscow are strong. The EU wants to maintain influence in any deal, but it also must recognize that the most important voice belongs to Kyiv.

Longer term, the episode tests how the West balances deterrence and dialogue. If Trump and Putin move toward a deal without Ukraine, Kyiv’s supporters risk losing credibility and a seat at the table. The event also highlights how internal European politics can tilt the balance at moments when Europe’s security framework is at stake. The EU's push to keep Kyiv at the center may harden red lines and set a durable standard for future talks.

Highlights

The coming days will reveal how far Europe can push without losing its own footing.