Europe Demands a Unified Stance in Peace Efforts Between Ukraine and Russia

European diplomats have underscored the necessity of involving European nations in any negotiations aimed at brokering peace between Ukraine and Russia, following reports of a US-Russia plan perceived as favoring Kremlin interests. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, welcomed any sincere efforts to bring an end to the conflict but emphasized that any plan must include both Ukrainian and European input to be sustainable. "Vladimir Putin could end this war immediately if he just stopped bombing civilians and killing people," she stated, highlighting the absence of concessions from the Russian side. Kallas asserted, "We welcome all meaningful efforts to end this war, but as we have stated before, it has to be just and lasting. This means that both the Ukrainians and Europeans need to agree on this." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed this sentiment, insisting that any negotiations regarding a ceasefire and the peaceful development of Ukraine must involve Ukraine itself and include European stakeholders as key participants. Meanwhile, Jean-Noël Barrot, France's foreign minister, clarified that peace cannot equate to capitulation. He stated, "The principle of peace must start with a ceasefire on the line of contact, which will allow for discussions on territorial questions and security guarantees. This has always been our position and that of Ukraine. Today, however, it seems that Russia and Vladimir Putin are obstacles to peace." Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who was poised to brief his colleagues about a recent sabotage attack on Poland's railway network, emphasized the importance of European involvement in peace talks. "Europe is the main player, the main supporter of Ukraine, and, of course, it is Europe’s security at stake. We expect to be consulted on these matters," he remarked. Sikorski expressed hope that it would not be the victim of aggression who faces restrictions on its ability to defend itself, but rather the aggressor who should see limitations imposed on its actions. The context of these diplomatic statements comes as Russia's parliament suggested that any confiscation of Russian assets by the EU would prompt legal action against Belgium and Euroclear, a Brussels-based depository where a significant portion of Russia's frozen sovereign wealth is held. This assertion follows a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to EU leaders, warning of a projected shortfall of €136 billion for Ukraine from 2026 to 2027, which is necessary for the country's defense and operational stability. Von der Leyen outlined three options for financing Ukraine but favored a reparations loan funded through Russian frozen assets. EU leaders plan to discuss this financing strategy at an upcoming summit, having failed to reach an agreement in their previous meeting in October. Belgium has expressed concerns regarding the legal implications of the proposal, questioning what would occur if Russia refuses to pay reparations or seeks damages from parties like Euroclear. The Duma's vote came in response to these developments, unanimously supporting a resolution insisting that any confiscation of Russian assets cannot be seen as anything other than a violation of Russia's sovereign rights. It insisted that any infringement must entail a legal response, including claims for damages against Euroclear and Belgium. Euroclear has refrained from commenting directly but indicated through its chief executive, Valérie Urbain, that any attempt resembling confiscation would be illegal and that vigilance against potential legal actions from Russia was paramount. The ongoing discourse is further complicated by Hungary's foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, who expressed his government's typical skepticism towards EU support for Ukraine. He described it as "unimaginable" to use Hungarian taxpayer money to assist a corrupt Ukrainian government, implying that recent corruption scandals have bolstered Hungary's anti-Ukrainian sentiment. As the situation unfolds, the importance of a collaborative European effort remains a focal point in the push for peace in the region, with the voices of various European leaders emphasizing that any resolution must equally consider the perspectives and agreements of Ukraine. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2