🔗 Share this article Kremlin Exhibits Little Authentic Intent in Ceasefire Negotiations, States von der Leyen The European Commission president addressed European lawmakers that EU nations would persist in supporting Ukraine Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen has portrayed the circumstances concerning the war in Ukraine as "unpredictable" and "dangerous" while alleging Russia of having no "genuine intent" of participating in ceasefire negotiations. These comments preceded Moscow representative Dmitry Peskov declared it was "too early" to speak about striking a peace deal. Protection Commitments and European Stance Von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine would necessitate substantial security guarantees capable of deterring any additional attacks, contending that Russia still adhered to a post-Second World War perspective and viewed the European landmass as a "sphere of influence". She was addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg as the United States intensified efforts to broker a settlement between Ukrainian leadership and Russian government. Latest Negotiation Progress Negotiations in recent days in Geneva and then UAE have resulted in Ukraine consenting to the "essence" of a ceasefire agreement, after modifications were applied to an initial 28-point plan widely criticized as strongly biased supporting Russia. Zelensky stated the updated version embodied "the proper method" - but significant conflicting issues with Russia persist and the Russian government has continually downplayed proposals of a compromise. "I want to be clear from the very beginning: EU nations will support Ukraine and aid Ukraine every step of the way," EU chief emphasized. Blocked Resources and Juridical Concerns Furthermore mentioned the matter of €210 billion value of Russia's blocked funds held in EU banks. Belgium is currently resisting the concept of diverting these resources to Ukraine, as it fears breaching global regulations and being made to bear the expenses if Moscow mount a legal challenge. Additional nations likewise are concerned the repayment of the frozen assets could finally become the responsibility of European taxpayers – though von der Leyen sought to allay those concerns, saying she could not imagine such a situation. European Exclusion from Negotiations Previous days of intense negotiations have predominantly left out the European nations, who previously were surprised by the US-Russia 28-article conflict resolution blueprint, which contained proposals to transfer territory to Russia still under Ukraine's administration and curb the extent of Ukraine's defense forces. European leaders have since insisted they will necessitate a role in discussions also, before any final agreement over how to end the war can be reached. "No decisions about Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement. Europe must be involved in European affairs. NATO decisions require NATO consensus," she told lawmakers. Upcoming Negotiation Efforts Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz also asserted the European Union was "not subordinate, but a sovereign actor, with its distinct concerns and ethics." However, as it stands European nations are not set to be participating in the next round of discussions and Russia has dismissed engagement by continental representatives. "European nations meddling in all these affairs is, as I see it, totally superfluous," Moscow advisor Yuri Ushakov declared. Conversely, American presidential representative Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow in coming days, while the US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will go to Ukraine. The United States has been participating in "shuttle diplomacy" between Russia and Ukraine from the start of President Trump's renewed administration in recent months - but up to now such efforts have failed to generate meaningful progress. Personal Talks Recommended Ukrainian President Zelensky said on Tuesday he wanted personal discussions with President Trump before the month's conclusion to address the main divergences between the Ukraine's and the Moscow's viewpoints, such as control over Ukraine's eastern regions, inclusion of Nato and the size of its army. Simultaneously, President Trump shared a message on social media declaring he would be ready to meet both Kyiv leader and Putin soon, but "SOLELY when the deal to conclude hostilities is COMPLETE or, in its final stages".