After a high-profile meeting in Washington, European Union leaders made clear they want a seat at the table when it comes to shaping Ukraine’s future. A virtual European Council session brought 27 capitals together to unpack progress on security guarantees, sanctions relief, and humanitarian concerns raised during talks with U.S. and Ukrainian counterparts.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted early wins: solid plans to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, a roadmap for lifting sanctions once conditions are met, and concrete steps to reunite families with children displaced by the conflict.
European Council President Antonio Costa reinforced the bloc’s unwavering support for Kyiv. “Ukraine’s strongest security guarantee will be its own armed forces,” Costa said, pointing to ongoing work on Ukraine’s EU membership bid and “tripartite negotiations” that should include Brussels from the start.
Meanwhile, Downing Street confirmed that the “Coalition of the Willing” group is exploring tougher sanctions on Russia and drafting plans for a possible multinational reassurance force if hostilities wind down. The British government says this effort would complement U.S. assistance without requiring American boots on the ground.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico offered a starkly different take, arguing that Kyiv must abandon any hope of NATO membership and open discussions on territorial concessions to break the deadlock. “Without a frank conversation about Ukraine’s borders, we will not move forward,” he warned.
Across the Atlantic, former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced cautious optimism about upcoming peace talks. Speaking on Fox & Friends, he said the next few weeks will reveal whether President Putin is serious about ending the conflict. Trump added that while Europe may deploy troops for new security guarantees, the U.S. will focus on other forms of support.
On the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated Moscow is open to both bilateral and trilateral discussions on Ukraine’s fate—signaling that multiple paths to dialogue remain available.
What’s Next?
As Ukraine’s EU accession process advances and leaders weigh fresh sanctions, the coming weeks could redefine Europe’s role in ending one of the continent’s biggest security crises in decades. For young global citizens tracking everything from geopolitics to sustainable reconstruction, these developments underscore why inclusive, multilateral talks are key to lasting peace.
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EU leaders stress role in Ukraine peace talks after Washington meeting
cgtn.com
