The head of the European Commission stressed that Ukraine must have the freedom to determine its own future and underscored the EU’s pivotal role in maintaining peace. Essential prerequisites include the prohibition of forced border alterations and the absence of restrictions on Ukraine’s military forces.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reaffirmed on Sunday that Ukraine must preserve its autonomy in deciding its path forward, with the EU playing a fundamental role in guaranteeing peace.
«The European Union’s central position in securing peace for Ukraine must be fully acknowledged,» von der Leyen stated while presenting the critical terms for a durable peace settlement.
Her remarks were delivered amid ongoing peace discussions in Geneva involving the US, Ukraine, and European partners.
EU outlines peace prerequisites
From Johannesburg, von der Leyen demanded an immediate halt to the violence in Ukraine, emphasizing that any viable peace proposal must «primarily stop the bloodshed and bring an end to the war without igniting future hostilities.»
She noted that the EU has reached consensus on fundamental elements required for a lasting peace, highlighting that border changes by force are unacceptable.
Given Ukraine’s sovereignty, imposing restrictions on its armed forces would increase vulnerability to future attacks and weaken the security landscape across Europe.
The EU’s essential role in achieving peace for Ukraine must be clearly reflected.
Von der Leyen reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to a European trajectory and its need to maintain freedom over its future decisions. This journey includes reconstruction, enhanced integration into the EU single market and defense sector, and eventual full membership.
The Commission President underscored the significance of the EU’s cooperation and solidarity with Kyiv, the «Coalition of the Willing,» and the US as efforts toward peace advance.
Priority placed on abducted children
Von der Leyen pointed to the issue of abducted Ukrainian children as «a critical component that must be integrated into any agreement» and personally meaningful to her.
«Tens of thousands of children remain confined in Russia, frightened and yearning for their families. This humanitarian crisis must be prioritized on the global agenda,» she declared.
The president announced plans for the EU, Ukraine, and Canada to host a summit under the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
The 28-point roadmap to conclude the nearly four-year conflict has triggered concern in Kyiv and Europe, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioning that Ukraine might face a choice between defending its sovereign rights and securing Washington’s backing.
On Saturday, Western allies of Ukraine gathered to endorse revisions to the US peace proposal, seen as overly favorable to Moscow.
On Sunday, European officials along with national security advisers from Germany, France, and the UK took part in Geneva discussions.
Video editor • Lucy Davalou