Her remarks came shortly before Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called discussions on a peace deal “premature.” Von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine will require strong security guarantees to prevent further attacks and reiterated that Europe will stand with Ukraine every step of the way.
Recent diplomatic efforts in Geneva and Abu Dhabi led to Ukraine agreeing to the core of a peace plan, though key issues with Russia remain unresolved. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the new draft as “the right approach,” but the Kremlin has minimized any prospect of compromise.
Von der Leyen also addressed the issue of €210bn in frozen Russian assets in EU banks. Some countries, including Belgium, fear diverting these funds to Ukraine could violate international law or make European taxpayers liable. The European Commission has prepared legal and policy options, with a decision expected by late December.
European leaders, blindsided by the US-Russia 28-point peace plan last week, insist they must have a seat at the table before any final agreement is reached. France and the UK recently convened a “coalition of the willing” to discuss security guarantees.
Von der Leyen stressed: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Nothing about NATO without NATO.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed her, asserting that Europe is a sovereign actor with its own interests.
Meanwhile, the US continues shuttle diplomacy between Moscow and Kyiv, with envoy Steve Witkoff heading to Moscow and US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll traveling to Ukraine. Zelensky has requested direct talks with Donald Trump to resolve key disputes over eastern Ukraine, NATO membership, and military size. Trump stated he is willing to meet both leaders once the peace deal is finalized.
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