European leaders: If a ceasefire agreement is not reached, the US and EU must increase pressure on Russia

European Council President António Costa said on social media that transatlantic unity is now key to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.

On the same day, Costa stressed at a meeting of the "Alliance of Volunteers" that if a ceasefire agreement could not be reached, the EU and the US would have to increase pressure on Russia.

Costa said Ukraine has a sovereign right to decide on the terms of peace, which must be respected. Europe welcomes the willingness of the United States to participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine and to work together to ensure that Ukraine achieves a just and lasting peace. Europe stands ready to contribute to this.

French President Emmanuel Macron gave a speech after a meeting of the "Alliance of Volunteers" lasting more than two hours. He reiterated that the countries of the "Alliance of Volunteers" are committed to achieving a firm and lasting peace and that "any agreement that would be concluded without the Ukrainian army or on the basis of weakening the Ukrainian army would be insincere".

CMG