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The EU has claimed Ukraine's role in the negotiations and warned Russia in a message that Hungary has not signed

"The citizens of Ukraine must be free to decide their future. The path of peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine." They warn that a ceasefire is essential for any progress.

Zelenski-Costa-Von-der-Leyen-efe

Costa, Zelenski and von der Leyen.

The governments of 26 of the 27 Member States of the European Union (all except Hungary) have signed the message with  supporting US PresidentDonald Trump's peace initiative, but have warned that it is the Ukrainians who "have the right to choose their own destiny" and demand sanctions against Russia.

Most of the leaders of the Council of Europe advocate a 'just and lasting peace' under the premise that any future agreement must respect 'the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity' and that 'international borders cannot be changed by force', with clear reference to the Russian invasion.

Last week, Trump said there was a chance of a territorial exchange between the two sides on the eve of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a meeting that European leaders have not directly mentioned in the statement released this Tuesday.

"The citizens of Ukraine must be free to decide their future. The pathof peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. "

One of the clearest political goals for Ukraine is its integration into the European Union, and the 26 signatory governments have stressed that they will continue to "protect" the country, despite the reluctance expressed in recent months by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who believes that accession would jeopardize the stability of the bloc.

Until then, the EU 'will continue to provide political, financial, economic, humanitarian and diplomatic support' so that Ukraine can exercise its' right to self-defence 'against the attack,' just as it will continue to comply with and implement restrictive measures against the Russian Federation '.

"Ukraine capable of effectively defending itself is an integral part of future security drafts," European leaders have stressed, recognizing and "respecting" the policies that "some" Member States can adopt in this area.

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