European leaders have issued a strong warning against any attempt to alter Ukraine’s borders by force, just two days before a high-stakes US-Russia summit on the conflict is set to take place in Alaska. In a joint statement signed by 26 of 27 EU leaders, they stressed that Ukraine’s people must be free to determine their own future and that the principles of territorial integrity must be upheld. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his close ties to Moscow and opposition to some EU measures supporting Kyiv, was the only leader who declined to sign.
The declaration reflects deep concern across Europe over Moscow’s actions in Ukraine and the potential precedent they could set. Many countries – particularly those bordering Russia or with historical memories of Soviet occupation – view the situation as a direct security threat. In recent years, Finland and Sweden have joined NATO, Baltic states have reinstated conscription, and Poland has committed billions to fortifying its border with Russia.
For the EU, the idea of legitimising territorial gains made through war is unacceptable. Yet behind the public unity, there is growing private unease that some parts of Ukraine currently under Russian control may not be restored to Kyiv. The Alaska summit is expected to test whether the United States will hold firm against any such concessions or explore a settlement that could leave contested territories in Russian hands.
