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EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has characterized the situation surrounding the war in Ukraine as "unpredictable" and "perilous" while accusing Russia of showing no "authentic intention" of joining conflict resolution discussions.

The statements came shortly before Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared it was "hasty" to discuss reaching a ceasefire agreement.

Protection Commitments and EU Position

Von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine would necessitate robust defense assurances able to preventing any subsequent offensives, arguing that Russia still maintained a post-WWII perspective and saw the European continent as a "zone of dominance".

She was addressing the Continental parliament in Strasbourg as the United States increased efforts to broker a agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Latest Diplomatic Developments

Negotiations in recent days in Geneva and then UAE have culminated in Ukraine consenting to the "essence" of a peace deal, after modifications were applied to an original 28-point blueprint heavily condemned as overwhelmingly tilted supporting Russia.

President Zelensky stated the updated version represented "the proper strategy" - but significant conflicting issues with Russia persist and the Moscow leadership has consistently played down proposals of a compromise.

"Let me be clear from the start: Europe will stand with Ukraine and assist Ukraine throughout this process," von der Leyen stated.

Blocked Funds and Legal Considerations

She also mentioned the issue of 210 billion euros equivalent of Moscow's frozen assets held in European financial institutions.

Belgium is currently resisting the idea of diverting these funds to Ukraine, as it worries violating global regulations and being forced to foot the bill in case Moscow initiate a legal challenge.

Additional nations likewise are worried the reimbursement of the blocked funds could finally be passed to EU citizens – while von der Leyen tried to allay those concerns, remarking she could not picture such a outcome.

EU Marginalization from Discussions

The last days of intense negotiations have largely left out the Europeans, who previously were surprised by the United States-Russia 28-point ceasefire proposal, which featured proposals to transfer regions to Russia currently under Ukraine's administration and curb the scale of Ukraine's military.

EU officials have subsequently insisted they will need a place in negotiations also, before any definitive settlement over how to conclude hostilities can be reached.

"Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Alliance matters need alliance approval," she told lawmakers.

Upcoming Negotiation Efforts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz furthermore asserted EU nations was "not subordinate, but a sovereign actor, with its own interests and ethics."

However, as it currently exists EU countries are not expected to be included in the subsequent phase of discussions and Russia has batted off participation by EU officials.

"European nations meddling in all these affairs is, as I see it, totally unnecessary," Russian presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov said.

Instead, US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to journey to Moscow in coming days, while the US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will go to Ukraine.

The United States has been conducting "back-and-forth negotiations" between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of Trump's second term in recent months - but up to now such endeavors have failed to yield significant results.

Direct Negotiations Recommended

President Zelensky declared recently he desired face-to-face negotiations with US leader before the month's end to examine the key differences between the Kyiv's and the Russia's stances, such as control over Ukraine's eastern areas, inclusion of the defense organization and the size of its army.

Concurrently, Trump published a communication on digital platforms saying he would be willing to meet both Ukrainian President and Russian President in the near future, but "ONLY when the settlement to conclude hostilities is FINAL or, in its final stages".