EU Demands Inclusion in US-Russia Peace Plan for Ukraine

The European Union (EU) has expressed strong opposition to a 28-point peace plan reportedly being developed by the United States and Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The plan, which has not included input from European leaders or Ukraine, is said to propose terms that could be detrimental to Ukraine's sovereignty, including the complete surrender of the Donbas region and restrictions on its armed forces. EU officials have emphasized the necessity of including Kyiv in any diplomatic discussions, asserting that without Ukraine's endorsement, European support for the plan would be unattainable. Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stated, "What we, as Europeans, have always supported is a long-lasting and just peace," underscoring the EU's commitment to a resolution that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity.

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The lack of European involvement in the peace negotiations has raised concerns about the EU's role in the peace process. Lithuanian official Kestutis Budrys remarked that Europe must actively participate in discussions regarding its security and sovereignty. The sentiment is echoed by Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, who noted the importance of Ukraine's buy-in for any peace plan to gain European support. French and Danish officials have called for an immediate ceasefire as a prerequisite for negotiations, a stance that has been rejected by Moscow.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to address concerns regarding the peace plan, stating that achieving a durable peace would require both sides to make difficult concessions. He emphasized the need for a serious exchange of ideas to end the conflict. Meanwhile, discussions among EU foreign ministers have focused on a potential €135 billion support package for Ukraine, which includes innovative financing options such as using immobilized Russian Central Bank assets for reparations.

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The emergence of the US-Russia plan has reignited debates about the EU's influence in international diplomacy, particularly concerning Ukraine. The bloc, which has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, risks being sidelined in a process that could shape the future of European security. Swedish Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard highlighted the need for a dual strategy of increased assistance for Ukraine and heightened pressure on Russia to ensure that peace negotiations are taken seriously.

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While the EU has firmly stated its non-involvement in the drafting of the peace plan, the extent of Ukraine's participation remains unclear. There are varying perspectives on the implications of the plan, with some EU officials expressing confidence in Europe's ability to assert its role in future negotiations, while others voice concerns about being marginalized.

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• “Without the buy-in of Ukraine, you won’t get the support of the Europeans.” — David van Weel, Dutch Foreign Minister

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• “There can be no peace without Ukraine, and Europe has to be at the table,” — Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedish Minister

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• “If there's something related to Europe, we are Europe, and we have to discuss what is Europe and our security.” — Kestutis Budrys, Lithuanian Official

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