**European Leaders Reject Russia’s Ceasefire Proposal, Stand Firm on Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity**
In a unified response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for Ukraine ceding its eastern territories, European leaders have reiterated their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The proposal, made by Putin to US envoy Wikoff on August 6, would involve halting hostilities if Kyiv withdrew its forces from Donetsk Oblast and handed over control of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as well as Crimea, to Russia.
**Ukraine’s President Zelensky Firmly Rejects Territorial Concessions**
President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected the idea of ceding any Ukrainian territory to end Russia’s war on August 9. The Wall Street Journal reported that discussions between the EU, Ukraine, and US amounted to a rejection of Russia’s proposal, instead offering a counterproposal to US officials ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Putin on August 15 in Alaska.
**Baltic States Lead Criticism Against Proposal**
Members of the European bloc’s Baltic states offered the most pointed criticism towards the proposal. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote on X that “if borders can be changed by force, none are safe” and emphasized that sovereignty and territorial integrity are the cornerstones of global stability. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister also stressed that Ukraine must remain free and state borders cannot be moved through pressure and blackmail.
**French President Macron Stresses Importance of Ukrainian Involvement**
In a post on X, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that “the future of Ukraine cannot be decided without the Ukrainians who have been fighting for their freedom and security for over three years now.” He emphasized that Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution, as it concerns their security.
**WSJ Reports Proposal is “Much Worse” than Trump Suggested**
The Wall Street Journal reported that unnamed European officials believed the proposal to be “much worse than Trump said on the call,” with another adding that it gives “Putin everything he wants in exchange for nothing.”
**Czech Foreign Minister Emphasizes Need for Economic Pressure**
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky reiterated his country’s belief that Russia must first be pushed onto the negotiating table through economic pressure. He emphasized that Putin did not defeat Ukraine in three days or three years, but rather it was the support for Ukraine, sanctions, and Ukraine’s courage that pushed him to the negotiating table.
**Kyiv and Moscow Have Previously Held Three Rounds of Negotiations**
Kyiv and Moscow have previously held three rounds of negotiations on an end to the war, with each round failing to halt hostilities amid Russia’s refusal to implement a ceasefire. Russia has repeatedly espoused maximalist demands to end its war in Ukraine publicly demanded that Kyiv forgo NATO membership and withdraw troops from all four regions as preconditions for peace.
**Conclusion**
European leaders have rejected Russia’s ceasefire proposal, standing firm on Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The US and EU are committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will continue to pressure Moscow into a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
