Several European leaders, including the Nordic prime ministers Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, and Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, as well as President Alexander Stubb of Finland, express in a joint statement continued support for Ukraine and call for increased pressure on Russia.
In the statement, published by Ukraine's Presidential Office and 10 Downing Street, the leaders reiterate their support for "a just and lasting peace" and for US President Donald Trump's stance that the fighting should cease immediately, using the current contact line as a basis for negotiations.
At the same time, it is emphasised that Ukraine must remain strong – before, during, and after a potential ceasefire. The leaders highlight the need to increase pressure on Russia's economy and defence industry and propose that frozen Russian assets should be used to finance Ukraine's needs.
"We can all see that Putin continues to choose violence and destruction," the statement says, also emphasising that international borders must not be changed by force.
The issue will be further discussed at the European Council meeting later this week and in the so-called Coalition of the Willing format.