European Union leaders have emphasized that any peace plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine must fully involve Ukraine and EU member states, amid reports of a United States-backed proposal that would heavily favor Moscow’s demands.

Arriving for a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed that Europe supports “long-lasting and just peace” but insisted that Ukrainian consent is essential.

“Of course, for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” Kallas said.

Top diplomats from Germany, Spain, and Poland echoed her stance. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski highlighted that Europe’s security is at stake, warning that any peace deal should not restrict Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, but rather hold the aggressor accountable.

Russian Intentions and EU Concerns

Russia appeared to sidestep negotiation efforts, reiterating that a peace agreement must address the “root causes” of the conflict, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm whether President Vladimir Putin had reviewed the reported peace plan.

European nations remain wary of Russian aggression spilling into EU territory, citing instances of cyberattacks and drone incursions that have tested European and UK defenses. The United Kingdom recently warned it was prepared to take military action after a Russian spy ship directed lasers at British pilots monitoring its movements.

US-Brokered Peace Proposal

According to news reports, a 28-point plan delivered by US envoy Steve Witkoff to Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, would require Ukraine to cede territory in the eastern Donbas region and implement military reductions. Donbas is a strategically important area that has been heavily contested since the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that no peace agreement will be accepted without Ukrainian approval. He and EU leaders have stressed that any plan must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and constitutionally protected territory.

“We, as a sovereign country, simply will not be able to accept any agreements without us,” Zelenskyy said.

Escalating Violence in Ukraine

The reported US proposal coincides with a deadly Russian assault in Ternopil on November 19, which killed at least 26 people, including three children, and left 22 others missing. Ukrainian authorities deployed over 230 first responders to assist with search and rescue operations.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko welcomed the visit of US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, noting it was an important opportunity for senior military officials to assess the situation on the ground and witness the consequences of Russian aggression firsthand.

Internal EU Divisions

While most EU leaders advocate for a united front, some, such as Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, have expressed skepticism about continued EU funding for Ukraine, citing corruption allegations and internal mismanagement. Hungary’s right-wing populist leader Victor Orban, an ally of Putin, has also opposed Ukraine’s EU membership and has sought exemptions from Russian energy sanctions, further complicating EU cohesion.

Szijjarto argued that financial and political support to Ukraine should be conditional, highlighting the risk of sending billions without stringent oversight amid ongoing corruption probes.