Von der Leyen Says Ceasefire Would Be a Priority in Ukraine Talks

Dragon Media News Desk

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a ceasefire, security guarantees and postwar reconstruction would be priorities for the European Union in potential talks with Russia on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. TASS reported that she also identified contracts for EU companies to take part in Ukraine’s reconstruction as a priority.

TASS said von der Leyen had pledged to present the EU’s 22nd sanctions package against Russia as soon as possible and put forward a proposal for military assistance to Ukraine before the end of the year. The European Commission’s official statement, however, refers to a proposal to address Ukraine’s financial needs in 2027 and a new sanctions package to be presented before the next European Council meeting. It does not describe the funding proposal specifically as a military aid plan.

On November 12, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a ceasefire should come before negotiations on a peace agreement. She said it could stop the bombing of civilians and create a basis for discussions on peace and Europe’s security architecture.

Russia and the EU have offered differing accounts of European participation in the talks. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the inclusion of European representatives was not discussed during the Moscow meeting with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Kremlin has also said no decision has been made on European participation in the next round.

In a joint statement issued on November 13, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa said the EU had been present at peace talks that week and would continue to participate in the process. They also pledged to work on a viable postwar reconstruction plan and support Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.