European Leaders Express Concerns Over US Ukraine Plan, Prioritize Sovereignty and Security Guarantees
BRUSSELS – As the United States reportedly explores potential pathways to a negotiated end to the conflict in Ukraine, key European leaders are signaling reservations and outlining their own conditions for a lasting peace, emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine its future and the necessity of robust security guarantees. Concerns are mounting that a US-driven plan may not adequately address European security interests or Ukraine’s long-term viability.
The divergence in approaches comes as Ukraine faces continued pressure on the battlefield and amid growing debate over the sustainability of Western support.A potential shift in US policy, coupled with internal European anxieties about the economic and geopolitical consequences of the war, is fueling a push for a more distinctly European framework for peace negotiations. At stake is not only the future of Ukraine but also the transatlantic alliance and the broader European security architecture.
European commission President Ursula von der Leyen has articulated three core principles for any viable peace agreement. She stated unequivocally that Ukraine’s borders “cannot be changed by force,” rejecting any territorial concessions to Russia. Von der leyen also insisted that Ukraine’s military capabilities must be maintained at a level sufficient to deter future aggression, preventing the country from becoming vulnerable to renewed attacks.
Furthermore, von der Leyen stressed the essential role the European Union must play in any peace process. “Ukraine must have the freedom and the sovereign right to determine its own destiny. It has chosen a European path,” she affirmed,underscoring the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s integration and its rejection of any outcome that compromises Ukrainian sovereignty.
These statements reflect a growing sentiment within Europe that any resolution must prioritize Ukraine’s agency and align with the continent’s long-term security interests, even as discussions continue regarding the specifics of potential negotiations and the level of support to be provided. (AFP/Reuters/dpa)
