Brussels seeks to determine the EU’s role in a peace agreement in collaboration with Kyiv. The US insists that Europe should offer security guarantees for Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes that the decision on what the EU can contribute in a future peace agreement for Ukraine will emerge through close collaboration with Ukrainian officials. Simultaneously, she emphasized that the strongest security guarantee for Ukraine would be NATO membership, though this is currently unfeasible. Instead, the next priority is a well-equipped Ukrainian military. Only then can the details of Europe’s guarantees be addressed.

“We have many productive discussions, and together we must find the best solution,” von der Leyen stated.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserts that Europe should take responsibility for Ukraine’s security guarantees.

“Zelenskyy must acknowledge that it is Europe that will provide these security guarantees. However, the prospect of a peace agreement with Russia remains highly uncertain,” he remarked.