We strongly support President Trump's position that the fighting should stop immediately, and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.

Russia's stalling tactics have shown time and time again that Ukraine is the only party serious about peace. We can all see that Putin continues to choose violence and destruction.

Therefore we are clear that Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position - before, during, and after any ceasefire. We must ramp up the pressure on Russia's economy and its defence industry, until Putin is ready to make peace. We are developing measures to use the full value of Russia's immobilised sovereign assets so that Ukraine has the resources it needs.

Leaders will meet later this week in the European Council and in the Coalition of the Willing format to discuss how to take this work forward and to further support Ukraine.

Signed by:

President Zelenskyy
Prime Minister Starmer
Chancellor Merz
President Macron
Prime Minister Meloni
Prime Minister Tusk
President von der Leyen
President Costa
Prime Minister Støre
President Stubb
Prime Minister Frederiksen
Prime Minister Sánchez
Prime Minister Kristersson

Comment: Well, there you go! Funding peace by appropriating Russia's money. Ramping up pressure on Russia's defense industry is not exactly in EU favor, but surely has Putin shaking in his boots. And the bonus round: with a comely peace-meister 'not president' Zelensky...fait accompli. Sign up here. (and they did)