This war must end with a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Because Ukraine's freedom is Europe's freedom. The Alaska footage was hard to watch. This was stated by EC President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address.
On August 15, US President Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump was criticized for welcoming Putin with a red carpet and legitimizing his war crimes in Ukraine.
"Just a few days later, however, European leaders arrived in Washington to support President Zelensky and make commitments to provide assistance. Since then, real progress has been made. Just last week, 26 countries participating in the Coalition of the Willing said they were ready to participate in security forces in Ukraine or with financial contributions — in the context of a ceasefire", she added.
Here is part of her statement:
We will continue to support all diplomatic efforts to end this war. But we have all seen what Russia means by the word “diplomacy“. Putin refuses to meet with President Zelensky.
Last week, Russia used the largest number of drones and ballistic missiles in a single attack. Yesterday, a missile attack was carried out on a village in Donetsk, targeting people waiting to collect their pensions. More than 20 people were killed. The message is clear.
Our response must also be clear. More pressure must be brought to bear on Russia to come to the negotiating table. More sanctions are needed. We are already working on the 19th package in coordination with partners. Our attention is focused in particular on eliminating the need for Russian fossil fuels more quickly, on the shadow navy and on third countries.
At the same time, we need more support for Ukraine. No one has contributed as much as Europe. Nearly €170 billion in military and financial assistance has been provided so far.
More will be needed. And it is not right that European taxpayers alone should bear this burden. This is Russia's war. And Russia is the one who must pay.