Press statement by President António Costa following the coordination meetings on Ukraine between European Union leaders, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the US[...]

First of all, I would like to thank President Macron for welcoming me here today during my holidays in France for this very important working meeting with President Trump.

We are here to work hand in hand towards a common goal, namely achieving a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

President Macron has already summarised the outcome of this meeting very well. President Trump shared three very important objectives with us.

First of all, a ceasefire. Secondly, the principle that only Ukraine can negotiate matters concerning Ukraine, and lastly, the United States' willingness to work together with Europe to strengthen the security situation once we achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

I would like to express my best wishes for the success of Friday's meeting between President Putin and President Trump to secure a ceasefire and pave the way for peace in Ukraine.