Brussels – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Sunday the necessity of fully recognizing the European Union’s central role in any plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
In a statement released earlier today, von der Leyen asserted that any credible and sustainable peace plan must prioritize an immediate cessation of hostilities and prevent future conflicts. “Any credible and sustainable peace plan should aim, first and foremost, to stop the killing and put an end to the war, while not creating pretexts for a future conflict,” she stated.
The EU Commission President further elaborated on Ukraine’s sovereign right to self-determination, stating: “Ukraine must have the freedom and sovereign right to choose its destiny. It has chosen a European destiny.” She outlined this destiny as involving the reconstruction of Ukraine, its integration into the European Single Market, and its eventual full membership in the European Union.
Addressing a proposed 28-point peace plan, von der Leyen highlighted several crucial elements. “We agreed on the key elements needed for a just and lasting peace and the sovereignty of Ukraine. Let me highlight three of them. First, borders cannot be changed by force,” she noted.
Von der Leyen continued, “Second, as a sovereign nation, no restrictions can be imposed on the Ukrainian armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attack, thereby undermining European security as well.”
“Third,” she concluded, “the centrality of the European Union in achieving peace for Ukraine must be fully reflected.”
Her comments come as Ukrainian and European officials convened in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss proposals for a settlement in Ukraine. Further discussions are scheduled between Ukrainian and American delegations regarding these proposals.
