Weimar+ ministers meet in Rome to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

On 12 June, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the EU High Representative (Weimar+) were joined in Rome by the NATO Secretary-General and the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to discuss Euro-Atlantic security and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. 

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the EU High Representative and the French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish and British Foreign Ministers said they were ready to step up pressure on Russia to weaken Moscow in its war with Ukraine.

“We reiterated our readiness to step up our pressure on Russia as it continues to refuse serious and credible commitments, including through further sanctions and countering their circumvention. We are also ready to swiftly adopt new measures (notably in the energy and banking sectors) aimed at undermining Russia’s ability to continue waging its war of aggression and to ensure Ukraine is placed in the best position possible to secure a just and lasting peace.” 

The statement added they were determined to keep Russian sovereign assets in their jurisdictions immobilised until Russia ceased its aggression and paid for the damage it had caused.

Ministers welcomed US-led peace efforts and talks between Ukraine and Russia, adding Europe would continue to contribute to these efforts and stood ready to support the implementation of a peace agreement following the principles of the UN Charter. 

They commended Ukraine’s engagement in the process, demonstrating its commitment to peace and readiness to commit to a 30-day ceasefire as a foundation for serious negotiations. “We urged Russia to reciprocate without further delay, and to drop its unacceptable maximalist demands and preconditions, to prove it is genuinely interested in peace. We deplored recent massive Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilian populations, which are a clear breach of international law,” they stated. 

The Weimar Plus group reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger and more sovereign Europe, able to defend its citizens and its interests and to contribute to international peace and security, adding they would continue working together to strengthen their collective security and defence and to reinforce the European contribution to NATO.

“The Atlantic Alliance remains the cornerstone of our collective defence,” the statement said. “The NATO Summit in The Hague… must take further decisions to build a stronger Alliance, prepared to defend every inch of the Allied territory.” 

European countries must play an even greater role in ensuring security, ministers said, calling for a reinforcement of European defence capabilities to overcome the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and to counter threats and challenges in all domains in the EU’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods, and in the Baltic region. 

Once again, they stressed their unwavering support for Ukraine and its security. “A strong, independent, and democratic Ukraine is vital for the stability and security of the Euro-Atlantic area,” the joint statement said. 

Ministers said they would work with Ukraine on initiatives to strengthen their armed forces, and were prepared to enhance their support by improving defence industrial cooperation with Ukraine and exploring additional forms of security and defence cooperation.

“We remain firmly committed to supporting Ukraine’s economic stability under its IMF programme, ensuring it has sufficient fiscal assistance for 2026 and beyond, and its recovery and reconstruction, in close coordination with our international partners. Early recovery and reconstruction will help lay the foundation for a more prosperous Ukraine that is integrated into Europe. This presents an opportunity to embed resilience, foster prosperity, and advance reforms toward Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, with the ultimate goal of EU membership,” the statement said. 

The Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be hosted by Italy in July 2025, will represent a pivotal moment for advancing such efforts.

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Press release