Demand Robust and Democratic Security Guarantees for Ukraine—No Deals Over Ukrainian Sovereignty

The ongoing war in Ukraine has already claimed over a million lives and displaced millions more. As world leaders gather in Washington, there is mounting pressure on Ukraine to accept a 'quick peace deal' that could force it to surrender large portions of its territory and undermine its sovereignty. Reports suggest that US and Russian leaders have discussed proposals for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region and freeze the front lines, while offering only vague security guarantees in return.

History has shown that such deals—negotiated without the full participation and consent of Ukraine—do not bring lasting peace. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 promised security in exchange for Ukraine's nuclear disarmament, yet failed to prevent subsequent invasions. Any new agreement must not repeat these mistakes.

We stand with the Ukrainian people and demand that European and US leaders:

• Reject any peace deal that requires Ukraine to surrender territory or accept a 'capitulation' in the face of aggression.
• Ensure that Ukraine is a full participant in all negotiations about its future, with the right to determine its own borders and security arrangements.
• Guarantee that any security commitments are concrete, enforceable, and do not limit Ukraine's right to self-defense or military development.
• Impose real consequences on Russia for continued aggression, including strengthened sanctions and international accountability.
• Support Ukraine's right to seek membership in defensive alliances of its choosing, including NATO, without external vetoes.

Peace cannot be achieved by sacrificing justice, democracy, or the rights of those under attack. We urge all leaders to stand firm for a just peace that protects Ukraine and upholds international law.