Ukraine, Europe Define Peace Principles

In a significant diplomatic development, Ukraine and its European allies have reached an agreement on five fundamental principles for peace negotiations. This development was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on August 13, 2025.

The principles, which have been communicated to U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasize that all discussions concerning Ukraine must include Ukraine as a primary participant. The leaders also agreed on the necessity of a ceasefire and reliable security guarantees, with the United States expressing readiness to support these measures. Additionally, the coalition affirmed that Russia should not hold veto power over Ukraine’s potential European Union and NATO memberships and stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia amidst ongoing peace talks.

The meeting, which included prominent European figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, highlighted the leaders’ commitment to a unified approach in addressing the conflict. President Zelenskyy underscored the importance of sanctions against Russia, describing them as effective tools that significantly impact the Russian war economy.

Concluding the diplomatic engagement, the leaders participated in a Coalition of the Willing meeting to discuss future security structures, showcasing their collective resolve to ensure regional stability and uphold international norms.