The intense diplomatic efforts will proceed next week with the gathering of the «Coalition of the Willing,» as Ukraine aims to secure European backing. At the same time, Von der Leyen reaffirmed Ukraine’s EU membership as a fundamental part of security guarantees for Kyiv following discussions with European officials.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized after talks with European leaders on Tuesday that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is an essential element of the country’s future security assurances.
Von der Leyen noted that joining the 27-country union, which Ukraine aspires to, constitutes «a fundamental security guarantee in itself,» according to a social media statement released after a session within the Berlin Format, including leaders from Germany, France, and Poland, among others.
«Ultimately, the economic well-being of a sovereign Ukrainian state depends on accession to the EU,» she remarked. «Joining benefits not only new members; as successive EU enlargements have demonstrated, the entire continent gains.»
Her remarks come after an intense period of diplomacy among US, Ukrainian, and European representatives. Following a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees among the three parties are «nearly finalized.»
EU membership is regarded as a crucial element but presents various challenges for the bloc. Entry requires substantial reforms and must obtain the unanimous agreement of all 27 heads of state.
For the Commission, Ukraine’s candidacy involves a delicate effort to uphold a meritocratic process applied equally to all candidates, while also acknowledging the country’s exceptional situation amid ongoing peace negotiations.
Ukraine also faces opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has repeatedly claimed Kyiv does not fulfill the EU criteria, proposing a close partnership as the best possible outcome. This year, his veto has stalled any advancement in Ukraine’s accession talks, including through technical committee discussions.
The European Commission maintains that Ukraine is technically prepared to proceed in the process. Growing dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace has ignited debate on the unanimity requirement for accession, but efforts to amend the legal framework have not progressed either.
After the Berlin Group’s Tuesday morning call, Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced that the «Coalition of the Willing,» a group of nations supporting Ukraine and led by France, the UK, and the broader European security community, will meet next week.
German Chancellor advocates ‘transparency’ in negotiations
Following a bilateral meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, Trump and Zelenskyy praised advancements towards a US-led peace agreement.
However, discussions were postponed after Russia accused Ukraine of attacking President Vladimir Putin’s private residence, marking an escalation in hostilities.
Kyiv denied involvement in the alleged strike, calling it a «complete fabrication» intended to disrupt peace efforts.
On Monday, Trump informed reporters that Putin had notified him about the incident.
«This is not positive, and I disapprove,» the US president said. «This is an inappropriate time for such actions. There is a difference between offensive maneuvers and targeting someone’s home.»
Trump did not clarify whether US intelligence agencies possessed any details about the claims, instead referencing the Russian president’s statements.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared on Monday that Russia would retaliate following the alleged attack. Over the weekend, Russia launched another series of drone and missile strikes primarily aimed at Kyiv.
European leaders expressed skepticism towards the Russian allegations.
In a social media message after hosting a conference call with European leaders on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the peace process is progressing, but will demand «honesty and transparency from all involved — including Russia.»
Following conversations with Zelenskyy, Putin, and European officials, the US president conveyed an optimistic outlook on the potential for peace, asserting that ending the conflict aligns with the interests of both sides.
Nevertheless, Trump acknowledged that the issue of territorial concessions by Kyiv — particularly concerning Russia’s claims over the entire eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas — remains unresolved and represents a «very difficult» matter.
He also noted that European countries would mostly bear the responsibility for security guarantees, although the US would provide support.
Separately, Zelenskyy informed reporters during a WhatsApp briefing on Monday that US security guarantees are planned for 15 years, but Ukraine is pushing for a longer duration.
The Ukrainian president proposed an extension to 30 or 50 years, arguing that since Russia has targeted his country for over a decade, a prolonged security arrangement would signify a transformative step for Ukraine. «It would be a historic decision,» he stated.