🔗 Share this article Moscow Shows Little Real Interest in Peace Talks, States von der Leyen The European Commission president informed EU legislators that the European Union would continue to stand with Ukraine European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has portrayed the situation regarding the Ukrainian conflict as "unpredictable" and "perilous" while claiming Russia of showing no "authentic intention" of engaging in conflict resolution discussions. These comments came shortly before Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared it was "too early" to speak about reaching a ceasefire agreement. Protection Commitments and Continental Stand Von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine would need substantial defense assurances able to discouraging any subsequent attacks, contending that Russia still maintained a post-WWII mentality and viewed the Europe as a "sphere of influence". She was addressing the EU legislature in Strasbourg as the US intensified endeavors to broker a settlement between Ukrainian leadership and Moscow. Current Peace Progress Discussions recently in Switzerland and then Abu Dhabi have led to Ukraine agreeing to the "essence" of a conflict resolution, after changes were implemented in an preliminary 28-clause proposal widely criticized as heavily slanted supporting Russia. Zelensky said the updated version represented "the proper strategy" - but major conflicting issues with Russia remain and the Moscow leadership has consistently played down indications of a settlement. "I must emphasize from the very outset: EU nations will back Ukraine and assist Ukraine throughout this process," EU chief emphasized. Frozen Funds and Regulatory Considerations Furthermore referenced the matter of 210 billion euros worth of Russian immobilized resources maintained within European financial institutions. The Belgian government is currently opposing the idea of diverting these funds to Ukraine, as it is concerned about contravening worldwide legal standards and being forced to bear the expenses if Moscow launch a court case. Further states also are concerned the compensation of the blocked funds could finally be passed to EU citizens – while von der Leyen attempted to reassure those fears, remarking she could not envision such a scenario. EU Marginalization from Negotiations Previous days of vigorous negotiations have predominantly omitted the EU countries, who last week were surprised by the United States-Russia 28-article peace plan, which featured recommendations to transfer regions to Russia presently controlled by Ukraine's administration and curb the scale of Ukraine's military. European leaders have since asserted they will need a seat at the table also, before any conclusive arrangement over how to resolve the conflict can be achieved. "Ukrainian matters require Ukrainian participation. Europe must be involved in European affairs. NATO decisions require NATO consensus," she informed Parliament. Upcoming Peace Endeavors German Chancellor Friedrich Merz furthermore insisted EU nations was "not a pawn, but a independent player, with its own interests and values." Nonetheless, as it presently appears European nations are not scheduled to be involved in the next round of discussions and Russia has batted off engagement by European leaders. "EU countries involving themselves in all these issues is, as I see it, totally unnecessary," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated. Alternatively, American presidential representative Steve Witkoff is scheduled to journey to Moscow next week, while the American Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will visit Ukraine. The United States has been participating in "mediator travel" between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of President Trump's renewed administration earlier this year - but so far such efforts have been unable to generate significant results. Personal Negotiations Proposed President Zelensky said on Tuesday he wanted direct talks with President Trump before the end of the month to examine the main divergences between the Ukrainian and the Moscow's positions, such as sovereignty over Ukraine's eastern territories, participation of the alliance and the scale of its armed forces. Meanwhile, US leader shared a communication on digital platforms stating he would be willing to meet both Zelensky and Putin soon, but "EXCLUSIVELY when the settlement to end this war is COMPLETE or, in its concluding phases".