<h1>European leaders demand Ukraine's sovereignty respected, no forced border changes in conflict resolution</h1> European leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing that any resolution to the ongoing conflict must involve Ukraine and respect its sovereignty, rejecting changes to international borders by force. This followed plans for a bilateral meeting between the US and Russia, raising concerns that Ukraine might be pressured into territorial concessions. The statement called for a just and lasting peace with credible security guarantees for Ukraine and insisted that meaningful negotiations require a ceasefire or reduction in hostilities. Despite US-led efforts to broker a truce, talks have stalled due to Russia's demands for territorial concessions and military restrictions, which Ukraine rejects. Ukrainian officials remain firm that they will not formally cede territory, although some private discussions have considered de facto recognition of lost areas. The situation remains unresolved amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and threats of additional sanctions against Russia.