Zelensky to bring European leaders to meeting with Trump: Von der Leyen says Ukraine can count on the EU

(Patria) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a joint press conference in Brussels.

Von der Leyen stated at the beginning that she is pleased that tomorrow she will travel to Washington with him and other European leaders.

“We will continue to support you for as long as it takes,” she said.

She added that peace must be achieved “through strength” and outlined the main conditions that a peace agreement should include: security guarantees to protect Ukraine and Europe, preservation of Ukraine's territorial sovereignty, and full freedom for its armed forces – including the right to join international organizations and receive aid from other states.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that international borders cannot be changed by force.

"Only Ukraine can decide on that, and no one else. Decisions must not be made without it at the table," she said. She added that the European Union will continue sanctions against Russia as long as the bloodshed in Ukraine continues.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the readiness of US President Donald Trump to participate in providing security guarantees similar to those under NATO Article 5. She said the European Union is “ready to make its contribution” and emphasized that Europe's defense is its own responsibility.

She announced further sanctions against Russia as long as the bloodshed in Ukraine continues.

President Zelensky said they must stop the killings, but also that he is not aware of all of Putin's demands.

"It will take time to go through them all. And decisions cannot be made under the threat of weapons. A ceasefire and a final agreement need to be reached. We will discuss this in Washington. Russia is still unsuccessful in Donetsk. Putin has been trying to take it for 12 years. Ukraine's Constitution is clear. There is no exchange of territory or renunciation of Ukraine's territory. Russia shows no signs of wanting a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the US," Zelensky said.

Responding to journalists' questions, Von der Leyen said that the most important thing is to stop the killings and that it does not matter whether it is a ceasefire or a peace agreement, but it is important to hold a trilateral meeting as well.

Zelensky said that the Coalition of the Willing and he will share their views with President Trump and that they only want to achieve peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not sit alone with US President Donald Trump at the White House tomorrow. According to the BBC, a large number of European leaders are coming to Washington, which represents an unprecedented event.

Zelensky will hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump after a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was held on Friday in Alaska.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders tomorrow at a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, the British Prime Minister's office confirmed.