​12 August 2025 

As chairs of the foreign affairs committees, we urge the leaders of the free world to pursue a ceasefire agreement that serves the best interests of freedom-loving people throughout the democratic world. The celebration of Independence Day in the United States reminds us each year that freedom, dignity and the right of a nation to determine its own future are values worth fighting for — not only for Americans, but for all people facing oppression and, most urgently, for Ukrainians living under occupation and attack. 

Any agreement reached at the talks in Alaska on 15 August 2025 or thereafter must firmly uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitution and the principles of the UN Charter. It is of the utmost importance that Russia is not rewarded for its brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine with territorial gains. The future of Ukraine can only be determined by the Ukrainian people themselves, upholding the fundamental principle that 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine'. 

European nations must also participate in the talks with the aim of minimising the risks to European security posed by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. We must never forget that Russia is likely to exploit negotiations as a pretext to avoid an unconditional ceasefire and push for sanctions relief. We owe it to the cause of liberty and justice — taught by the lessons of Independence Day and the mistakes of history. We must demonstrate unity, resolve and fidelity to universal rights to ensure that the outcome of any negotiations truly serves the cause of freedom, both now and for future generations.