European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of strong security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe in any peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.
“The EU is working closely with Zelenskyy and the United States to reach a just and lasting peace. Strong security guarantees that protect Ukrainian and European vital security interests are essential,” von der Leyen posted on X.
This stance underscores the EU’s commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s future ability to defend itself, particularly in the absence of NATO membership, which Ukraine still aspires to.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia has no intention of ending its war in Ukraine “anytime soon.”
However, she emphasized that the US holds significant power to force Russia to negotiate seriously. This perspective highlights the complex dynamics at play in the conflict and the crucial role that the US can play in shaping the outcome.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his country’s commitment to working with the US and other partners to achieve a lasting peace with security guarantees.
“France would work with the US and partners in the ‘coalition of the willing’ to make progress on a lasting peace with security guarantees,” Macron said.
The coalition is set to meet in the near future, indicating a concerted effort by Western nations to support Ukraine.
In contrast, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has taken a different stance from most Western allies by visiting Moscow twice since last year and refusing to provide official military aid to Ukraine, expressed skepticism about the European strategy towards Russia.
“The coming days will show whether the big players in the Union will support this process…or whether the unsuccessful European strategy of trying to weaken Russia through this conflict with all kinds of literally incredible financial, political or military assistance to Kyiv will continue,” Fico said in a recorded statement on Facebook.
The spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.
“The way forward can only be through dialogue and diplomacy. The world wants to see an early end to the conflict in Ukraine,” Jaiswal said, reflecting India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Ukraine conflict, the emphasis on security guarantees and diplomatic efforts underscores the multifaceted approach required to achieve a lasting peace.
The positions taken by various global leaders highlight the diverse perspectives and strategies at play, all aimed at bringing an end to the conflict and ensuring Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.