Von der Leyen sets out five priorities for future Ukraine peace agreement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined five priorities that she believes must form the basis of any future peace agreement for Ukraine.

Speaking at a session of the European Parliament, she emphasised that Europe, together with Ukraine, the United States and other partners, should work toward a framework that ensures both a just settlement and long-term stability, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media. 

Von der Leyen said the first priority is securing a just and lasting peace that guarantees real security not only for Ukraine but for Europe as a whole. She stressed that Kyiv must not face any restrictions on its Armed Forces and should receive reliable, long-term security guarantees as part of a broader package that also reinforces Europe’s own security.

On Ukraine’s sovereignty, the Commission president warned that accepting changes to international borders by force would set a dangerous precedent and risk encouraging future conflicts. She reiterated that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union, calling this a key element of the wider security framework.

Addressing Ukraine’s financial needs, von der Leyen recalled that EU leaders have committed to covering Kyiv’s funding requirements for 2026–27. She noted that the Commission has already submitted options for financing, including the use of frozen Russian assets, and said draft legal proposals would be presented next.

The fourth priority, she said, is the principle that decisions on Ukraine’s future must not be taken without Ukraine, just as decisions on Europe and NATO must involve those institutions directly.

Finally, von der Leyen underscored that any peace agreement must ensure the return of all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, calling this a fundamental humanitarian requirement.

By Sabina Mammadli