European Commission Denies Rift with US, Affirms Atlantic Unity on Ukraine

Brussels — Ekhbary News Agency

The European Commission has denied any divergence in views with the United States regarding the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, reaffirming the unity of the transatlantic position. Anitta Hepper, spokesperson for the European Commission on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made the statement in response to a journalist's question about potential differences following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.

Transatlantic Unity Amidst Diplomatic Engagements

During their conversation on Wednesday, initiated by the Russian side and marking their twelfth call since Trump assumed office in 2025, Presidents Putin and Trump reportedly agreed that Kyiv is deliberately prolonging the settlement process in Ukraine. Hepper emphasized that the EU "has always welcomed American efforts aimed at establishing a just and lasting peace," stating that this goal is shared by the European Union.

Russia's Stance on Negotiations and Ukraine Conflict

Yuri Ushakov, aide to the Russian President, further elaborated that Putin and Trump shared identical assessments of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's conduct, describing him as "prolonging the conflict" with support from Brussels. Separately, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin would determine the timing of an anticipated ceasefire in the special military operation zone during Victory Day celebrations, and clarified that Trump was not invited to the May 9 military parade. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow's continued interest in negotiations on Ukraine based on understandings reached with the United States, while President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, asserted that Ukraine had suffered a military defeat.