European Union countries are insisting on full involvement in any proposed peace plan between the United States and Russia to end the ongoing Russian-incited war in Ukraine. The demand follows reports of a proposed 28-point plan that allegedly contains terms and conditions that are deemed potentially detrimental to Ukrainian sovereignty.
The plan, reportedly drafted without European consultation, is said to include the full cessation of the Donbas region and significant restrictions on the military capabilities of Ukraine. European leaders have expressed concern that sidelining Europe could undermine both the legitimacy and enforceability of any potential agreement.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stated on 20 November 2025 that both Ukrainians and European representatives must be included in all discussions. Kallas also emphasized that excluding the European Union could weaken the strategic influence of the bloc and the long-term security arrangements in Eastern Europe.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel echoed these concerns. He underscored the fact that the European Union has not been consulted in drafting the plan. He further stressed that any legitimate peace process requires Ukrainian agreement and European support to ensure stability and prevent the perception of a unilateral settlement.
France and Denmark also signaled their positions during a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for European Affairs, called for an immediate ceasefire along the frontline as a prerequisite for territorial and security negotiations. Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Denmark emphasized European inclusion in all talks.
The United States government has indicated that it is collecting ideas from both parties to construct a framework for negotiation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that ending the war will require difficult concessions from both sides, but the lack of European involvement has raised skepticism among European capitals.
Financial and reconstruction considerations are also at the forefront of European discussions. An options paper circulated among member states estimates that Ukraine will require 135 billion euros in support during 2026 and 2027, including proposals to use frozen Russian central bank assets held in EU countries for a zero-interest reparations loan.
The EU stressed that any peace process that does not include Ukraine and European stakeholders risks creating instability. They underscored that measures ensuring Ukrainian sovereignty, security guarantees, and accountability for Russian actions are essential to a lasting resolution of the conflict and to maintaining EU credibility.
Photo Credit: European Parliament / Debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on 9th September 2025 on how the EU can ensure security guarantees for Ukraine / 2025 / Adapted / CC BY-SA 4.0 International