European officials emphasized the importance of involving Ukraine and Europe in any initiatives aimed at resolving Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speculation arose regarding a potential U.S.-Russian peace proposal amidst corruption allegations within the Ukrainian government, adding to the pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. European leaders gathered in Brussels to reaffirm their support for Ukraine and address a significant corruption scandal affecting the country’s energy sector.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stressed the necessity of Ukrainian and European participation for any plan to succeed, echoed by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who emphasized the need for Ukraine and Europe to be integral in ceasefire negotiations. Details of the reported peace plan, allegedly formulated by U.S. and Russian envoys and potentially involving territorial concessions by Ukraine, remained unclear.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned ongoing efforts to develop ideas for a lasting peace agreement, emphasizing the requirement for both sides to make challenging concessions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied active consultations with the U.S. on ending the conflict in Ukraine, while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen questioned the involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the proposal.
European leaders expressed concerns over potential sidelining by the U.S. administration in peace efforts, with EU diplomats accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of insincerity in peace talks. EU Chief Diplomat Kallas criticized Russia’s targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, following a deadly attack in Ternopil that claimed lives and left many injured. The EU remained committed to supporting Ukraine, with European countries stepping in to provide military aid following the halt in U.S. assistance.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski highlighted Europe’s significant role in supporting Ukraine and underscored the importance of European involvement in peace negotiations, given the region’s security interests at stake.