ROME (CHATNEWSTV) – The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, joined by the EU High Representative, on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening European security and pressed Russia to accept an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine as part of renewed peace efforts.
Meeting in Rome alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the officials endorsed a more sovereign and militarily capable Europe, better equipped to contribute to NATO and defend the continent’s interests.
“Our unity is ironclad,” they said in a joint statement, calling the NATO alliance “the cornerstone” of collective defence. They urged the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague to adopt “ambitious decisions” to reinforce Allied strength and deterrence.
The ministers pushed for increased European responsibility within NATO, including greater defence spending, collaborative procurement, and a stronger industrial base. They welcomed EU initiatives to complement NATO efforts but said additional structural reforms are needed to meet the bloc’s evolving security ambitions.
Support for Ukraine remained central to the discussions. The ministers praised Kyiv’s “constructive engagement” in peace talks, especially its offer of a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and willingness to pursue presidential-level negotiations.
“We urge Russia to reciprocate without delay,” they said, condemning Moscow’s “massive attacks against Ukrainian cities” as flagrant breaches of international law. Russia must “drop its maximalist demands,” they added, and demonstrate a genuine interest in peace.
The group endorsed further sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors if it refuses to de-escalate and pledged to keep Russian sovereign assets frozen until reparations are made.
Security guarantees for Ukraine—including support for its defence industry and armed forces—were also pledged, alongside economic aid under the IMF programme and a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration.
“The July Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy will be pivotal,” the ministers said, highlighting the goal of embedding reforms and rebuilding Ukraine “better, stronger, and more European.”
