European Commission Chief Criticizes Russia's Lack of Commitment to Peace Talks

Wed Nov 26 2025 21:41:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ursula von der Leyen asserts that Russia shows no genuine intent to engage in peace negotiations over the Ukraine conflict, while the U.S. ramps up diplomatic efforts.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has criticized Russia for lacking genuine intent in peace negotiations concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her remarks coincided with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov's statement labeling discussions on a peace deal as 'premature'. This comes as Ukraine agrees to revisions of its peace proposal, despite persistent disagreements with Russia. The dialogue continues amid increasing U.S. involvement in negotiations, highlighting concerns among European leaders about their exclusion from critical discussions.

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 noted that Ukraine would require strong security guarantees capable of deterring further attacks, arguing that Russia still upholds a post-World War Two mindset and sees the European continent as a 'sphere of influence'.

She was addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg as the U.S. ramped up efforts to mediate a deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Talks this week in Geneva and then Abu Dhabi have resulted in Ukraine agreeing to the 'essence' of a peace deal, after changes were made to an initial 28-point plan widely criticized as heavily slanted towards Russia.

Zelensky said the new draft represented 'the right approach' - but serious points of contention with Russia remain and the Kremlin has consistently downplayed suggestions of a compromise.

In her speech to European Union lawmakers, von der Leyen emphasized that 'Europe will stand with Ukraine and support Ukraine every step of the way.'

She also referenced the issue of €210bn (£185bn) worth of Russian frozen assets held in European financial institutions. Belgium is currently opposing the diverting of these assets to Ukraine due to fears of contravening international law, as well as concerns that repayment might fall to European taxpayers.

An 'options paper' and a legal text had been prepared by the Commission, she added. A decision on the frozen assets is expected to be made by EU leaders in late December.

The last days of diplomacy have largely excluded the Europeans, who last week were blindsided by the U.S.-Russia 28-point peace plan, which included proposals to cede territory to Russia still under Ukrainian control and limit the size of Ukraine's military.

European leaders have since insisted they will need a seat at the table before any final agreement is reached. A meeting of the so-called 'coalition of the willing', chaired by France and the UK, was convened to discuss security guarantees.

'Whatever the design of a future peace treaty, it is clear that much of the implementation will come down to the European Union and its NATO partners,' von der Leyen stated. 'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Nothing about NATO without NATO,' she stressed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also insisted Europe is 'not a pawn, but a sovereign actor, with its own interests and values.'

However, at this time, Europeans are not set to be included in the next round of talks, and the Kremlin has dismissed European leaders' involvement.

'The Europeans meddling in all these affairs is, as I see it, completely unnecessary,' Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov remarked.

Meanwhile, U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow next week, while Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will visit Ukraine.

The U.S. has been engaged in 'shuttle diplomacy' between Russia and Ukraine since the start of Trump's second term, but these efforts have yet to yield meaningful results.

Zelensky expressed a desire for direct talks with Trump to address diverging Ukrainian and Russian positions on sovereignty, NATO membership, and military size before the end of the month.

Trump indicated on social media that he would be prepared to meet with both Zelensky and Putin soon, but exclusively when a deal to end the war is in its final stages.