European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed on Sunday that Ukraine must remain free to choose its own destiny, insisting that any peace agreement must fully reflect the role and interests of the European Union. Her remarks came as key negotiations involving the US, Ukraine, and major European states took place in Geneva.
Speaking from Johannesburg, von der Leyen emphasized that “any credible and sustainable peace plan should stop the killing and end the war, while not sowing the seeds of a future conflict.” Her message appeared aimed at both Washington and Moscow, at a time when a US-drafted 28-point peace proposal has generated significant unease in European capitals.
EU’s Key Principles for Peace
Von der Leyen outlined several non-negotiable pillars for a durable settlement:
- “Borders cannot be changed by force.”
- Ukraine, as a sovereign country, cannot be subjected to limitations on its armed forces that would leave it vulnerable to future aggression — a pointed rejection of any Russian-imposed demilitarization.
- The EU’s central role must be fully integrated into any peace framework.
Her comments underline Europe’s growing concern that the US is pushing for a rushed peace deal, while European governments fear Washington’s proposal may tilt too far toward Moscow’s interests in order to secure a swift resolution before political timelines in the US shift again.
Kyiv’s Resistance to U.S. Pressure
The American peace draft has alarmed officials in Kyiv and across Europe, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning that Ukraine may be forced into a false choice between defending its sovereignty and maintaining vital U.S. support.
European negotiators from Germany, France, and the UK joined the Geneva talks on Sunday, seeking to reshape the proposal into something more aligned with Ukraine’s rights and Europe’s long-term security.
Children Deported to Russia: A “Crucial Element”
Von der Leyen highlighted the ongoing deportation of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia, calling it a deeply personal issue and a core part of any agreement.
She announced that the EU, Canada, and Ukraine will co-host a Summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, elevating the matter as a global priority.
Ukraine’s Future Lies in Europe
The Commission President reiterated that Ukraine has chosen the European path — one that includes reconstruction, deeper integration into the EU Single Market, expansion of defence-industrial cooperation, and ultimately full EU membership.
Her statement serves both as reassurance to Kyiv and as a message to Washington:
Europe insists on a peace that does not sacrifice Ukraine’s security or sovereignty in exchange for geopolitical expediency.
