France, Aug. 12 -- EU leaders stressed on Tuesday "the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny", just three days before a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Twenty-six European heads of state and government said in a statement that Ukrainians must have the freedom to decide their future and that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukrainian and European interests.

Trump has invited Putin to Alaska on Fridayto try to resolve the three-year war, but neither the EU nor Ukraine have been invited.

"Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities," the leaders said, adding that "we share the conviction that a diplomatic solutio...