The 27 EU leaders concluded a working lunch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of the Summit taking place in Brussels on European defence and the Ukraine- Russia war.

On Thursday morning, EU envoys finalized a draft statement for the summit, which leaders are expected to approve. The document, seen by the Associated Press, stresses that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine itself and that Europeans must be involved in any discussions concerning its security.

The text may change before the conclusion of the summit, which has begun, and it is stressed that a ceasefire can only be achieved as part of a process leading to a full, peaceful agreement. Any agreement, according to the leaders, must be accompanied by “strong and credible security guarantees for Ukraine.”

Warm welcome to Zelensky, See photos:

 Zelensky: “The Ukrainian people are not alone”

“The Ukrainian people are not alone,” Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier today as he arrived at the Brussels summit.

Zelensky was received by European Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Zelensky thanked EU countries for their “strong support since the beginning of the war in Ukraine” and stressed that “the Ukrainian people are not alone” as “your message is strong, to the Ukrainian people and the warriors on the front line.”

The President of the European Council said that today, decisions are expected to be taken on strengthening European defence, through which Ukraine’s defence will be strengthened. “We are here to support Ukraine for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace,” he said.

For her part, Ursula von der Leyen spoke of a crucial turning point for Europe. “Europe must be able to be able to protect itself and defend itself. In the same was, we should put Ukraine in a position to be able to protect itself,” said von der Leyen, pointing to the “Rearm Europe” plan presented by the Commission two days ago, which will leverage up to 800 billion euros.