European leaders insist on being fully involved in Ukraine negotiations, especially on issues like sanctions on Russia and the frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank.
These matters, along with Ukraine’s EU accession bid, were initially included in a 28-point plan drafted by the US and Russia without EU input, raising fears of Europe being sidelined. After discussions in Geneva between American, Ukrainian, and European officials, the draft was revised and will continue to evolve.
European Council President António Costa said there is “new momentum” and noted that the talks have made constructive progress. He said that matters directly affecting the EU—such as sanctions, enlargement, and frozen assets—must be decided with full EU involvement.
Costa spoke after a special meeting of EU leaders held alongside an EU-AU summit in Angola, where worries grew over Washington’s push to finalise a deal quickly. Both Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Europe will continue supporting Ukraine diplomatically, militarily, and economically.
Von der Leyen said any limits on Ukraine’s army must have Kyiv’s consent, marking a shift from her earlier, firmer stance. European leaders are now pressuring the US to significantly revise the original plan, which they believe was overly favourable to Moscow.
Some EU states are urging swift approval of a reparations loan for Ukraine and want to seize frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.
António Costa spoke from Luanda, Angola. European Union, 2025.