European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine must remain free to choose its own destiny and insisted that the EU’s decisive role in supporting peace be fully recognised in Ukraine’s peace plans.
She stated that any lasting agreement must reflect the European Union’s central responsibility in helping secure peace. Her remarks came as Ukraine peace talks involving Washington, Kyiv, and European allies took place on Sunday in Geneva.
Speaking from Johannesburg, she urged an immediate end to the killing in Ukraine and warned that no peace plan should create conditions for future conflict. Von der Leyen outlined key EU principles, including that borders cannot be changed by force and that Ukraine must not face military limitations that leave it vulnerable. She reaffirmed that Ukraine has chosen a European path guided by reconstruction, deeper integration into the EU’s Single Market, and eventual full EU membership.
The Commission President stressed the unity between the EU, Ukraine, the United States, and other partners working toward peace. She also highlighted the urgent need to return abducted Ukrainian children, calling it a deeply personal priority and a critical element of any peace agreement. Von der Leyen announced an upcoming summit, co-hosted by the EU, Ukraine, and Canada, focused on securing the children’s return.
Meanwhile, concerns have grown in Kyiv and across Europe over a U.S.-drafted 28-point peace proposal, prompting Ukraine’s Western allies to push for revisions during the Geneva talks.
Zelensky and Trump meet at the end of October Ukrainian Presidential Press Office