STRASBOURG (Realist English). European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned on Wednesday that Europe must sustain pressure on Moscow, arguing that despite renewed talk of negotiations, “Russia’s mindset has not changed.” Addressing the European Parliament, she said the Kremlin remains intent on reshaping borders and restoring “spheres of influence,” even as fast-moving US-brokered talks raise the possibility of economic concessions for Moscow.
Von der Leyen linked the latest Russian strikes on civilian targets to progress in Geneva, saying Russia escalates violence “every time there is serious movement toward a real peace.” Her remarks came as the Kremlin signals its resistance to the revised US-Ukraine peace framework, which modifies key provisions from the original 28-point draft that had alarmed governments in Europe for appearing overly favourable to Moscow.
European leaders — angered that the first draft circulated without their input — held emergency consultations this week, including an informal summit in Brussels and a virtual meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing,” to reinforce Europe’s role in shaping the text. “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Nothing about NATO without NATO,” von der Leyen said.
She warned against any settlement that would cap the size of Ukraine’s armed forces and called for robust security guarantees to prevent future aggression. Western allies are considering a multinational post-conflict presence on Ukrainian soil — an idea Moscow has rejected outright.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the urgent need to secure financing for Kyiv’s military and civilian needs, estimated at €135 billion for 2026–27. The Commission has proposed three options, including a reparations-style loan backed by the €210 billion in immobilised Russian central bank assets. Most EU capitals back the approach, though Belgium — which holds the bulk of the funds — continues to voice reservations.
“To be clear, European taxpayers cannot be the only ones paying the bill,” she said, adding that the Commission is ready to table the legal text necessary to launch the assets-backed loan mechanism.
Since February 2022, the EU has adopted 19 sanctions packages against Russia, while Washington last month targeted Rosneft and Lukoil with new measures. Von der Leyen closed by urging unity: “Yes, the situation is volatile and dangerous. But there is also an opportunity to make real progress. It is our duty to engage with all efforts that can bring about a just and lasting peace.”
