European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has described the situation surrounding the war in Ukraine as volatile and dangerous and accused Russia of having no real intent of engaging in peace talks.
Her comments came shortly before Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was premature to speak about striking a peace deal.
Von der Leyen stated that Ukraine would need strong security guarantees capable of deterring any further attacks, arguing that Russia still upheld a post-World War Two mindset and viewed the European continent as a sphere of influence.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she emphasized that Europe would continue to stand with Ukraine.
Recent talks in Geneva and Abu Dhabi have led Ukraine to agree to the essence of a peace deal after amending an initial 28-point plan, though significant disagreements with Russia persist.
Von der Leyen reiterated the EU's commitment, stating: I want to be clear from the very outset: Europe will stand with Ukraine and support Ukraine every step of the way. She highlighted the issue of €210bn worth of Russian frozen assets held in European financial institutions, noting that Belgium and other countries are wary of using these assets for aid to Ukraine due to potential legal complications.
A decision on the frozen assets is expected to be agreed by EU leaders in late December. Amidst diplomacy that has largely sidelined European leaders, von der Leyen insisted on Europe's role in future peace discussions, stating, Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Nothing about Nato without Nato.
The Kremlin, however, has dismissed European involvement in discussions, asserting it is unnecessary, while US mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow continue.
