Europe Says Ukraine Must Be Central in Any Peace Plan, EU Ministers Stress

European foreign ministers have stressed that any plan to end the war in Ukraine must involve both Ukrainians and Europeans, following recent proposals by the United States.

The U.S. had suggested a framework that would require Ukraine to give up some of its territory and weapons while reducing the size of its military. This plan has raised concerns among European leaders about whether it would respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

At a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that Europe supports efforts to achieve a long-lasting and fair peace. However, she emphasized that any peace plan must have the agreement and participation of both Ukrainians and European nations to be effective.

The ministers highlighted that Ukraine should play a central role in discussions about its future, including decisions about its borders, military, and defense capabilities. They warned that excluding Ukraine from negotiations could undermine the stability and security of the region.

The call from European leaders comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The ministers reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine while also seeking a negotiated settlement that protects its sovereignty and respects international law.

The discussions in Brussels focused on coordinating European and international support for Ukraine, ensuring that any future agreements are sustainable, and preventing unilateral decisions that could harm peace prospects in the region.

European ministers also stressed the importance of continued economic, military, and humanitarian support for Ukraine, warning that any settlement must not compromise Ukraine’s right to defend itself or the security of Europe as a whole.

This joint European stance signals that any U.S.-proposed framework will need careful consultation with European allies and Ukraine before it can move forward, reinforcing the principle that peace must be inclusive and just.