Ukraine must be free to decide its own future, including its territorial integrity and the prospect of joining the EU and NATO in the future. — Ukrinform.

In a shift, Trump now aligns more closely with Putin than allies in Europe in calling for final talks before a ceasefire

Trump’s abandoning a ceasefire as a requirement for further negotiations aligns him with a position held by Putin.

EU ministers could reportedly agree in early September to open the first negotiating cluster with Moldova, a key legal step toward membership, ahead of the country's Sept. 28 parliamentary elections.

European leaders said President Trump offered his backing during a call they held ahead of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

The problem is that they have no strategy of their own for ending the Ukraine war, other than hoping to contain Russia over the longer term.

Ukraine must have reliable security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement published on the European Commission’s website read. “We welcome President Trump’s statement that the United States is prepared to offer such guarantees.

European leaders affirmed that Russia cannot dictate Ukraine's alliances. This came after talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin failed to end the Ukraine war. Europe pledged to support Ukraine's right to choose its future.