European Commission President Urges Against Unilateral Changes to Ukraine's Sovereignty Amid Ongoing Conflict

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a stern warning against the unilateral division of sovereign nations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining territorial integrity in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking to European lawmakers in Strasbourg, von der Leyen reflected on Russia's unyielding stance during the war, comparing its current mindset to that of the 1945 Yalta Conference, which is viewed as a pivotal moment in shaping post-war Europe. "We need to be clear that there cannot be unilateral carving up of a sovereign European nation and that borders cannot be changed by force," von der Leyen asserted. She cautioned that legitimizing alterations to international borders could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to future conflicts. While expressing cautious optimism about U.S. peace initiatives led by former President Donald Trump, von der Leyen stated Europe has significant reservations regarding the original 28-point U.S.-Russia plan which had included concessions from Ukraine, such as ceding the Donetsk region to Russia. Although modifications have been made since, the urgency for an effective resolution remains critical, especially with little sign of progress on vital issues. The environment is described by von der Leyen as volatile and dangerous, yet she believes there exists a viable opportunity for meaningful progress. "So far, we have seen no signs from Russia of true willingness to end this conflict. We must keep up the pressure on Russia," she urged. A hastily arranged video conference among EU foreign ministers was held concurrently, where discussions on the precarious situation in Ukraine took precedence. Von der Leyen emphasized that restricting Ukraine’s armed forces would leave the nation vulnerable and that long-term security guarantees are essential for its defense. Amid these geopolitical tensions, a leaked conversation revealed Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff suggesting that peace in Ukraine might necessitate Russian control over parts of Donetsk, stirring further controversy regarding territorial exchanges. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the notion of an imminent peace settlement, indicating that discussions on such matters are currently premature. In the backdrop of these developments, von der Leyen confirmed that the European Commission is preparing a draft legal proposal aimed at utilizing Russia's frozen assets to support Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. This move follows a previous rejection of the plan due to legal uncertainties, particularly from Belgium which hosts a significant portion of Russia's frozen wealth. The United States is also applying pressure on European leaders to engage actively in the reconstruction of Ukraine, demanding Europe contribute significantly—$100 billion—toward the investment fund necessary for rebuilding efforts. Von der Leyen reiterated the importance of not allowing European taxpayers alone to shoulder the financial burden of this reconstruction. Another pressing concern highlighted by von der Leyen is the plight of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia since the onset of the conflict. She plans to host an international conference addressing this issue in 2026. Ukraine has reported nearly 20,000 cases of unlawful deportation, adding urgency to the call for restitution and the safe return of these children. Von der Leyen concluded by underscoring the need for accountability, citing ongoing charges against Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court over these abductions. As the conflict continues, European leaders are tasked with navigating complex geopolitical dynamics while ensuring both the preservation of national borders and the welfare of those impacted by the war. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3 • Source 4 • Source 5