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Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen has characterized the conditions regarding the war in Ukraine as "volatile" and "dangerous" while accusing Russia of having no "real intent" of engaging in conflict resolution discussions.

Her remarks were followed by Moscow representative Dmitry Peskov stated it was "too early" to mention reaching a peace deal.

Defense Commitments and European Stance

Von der Leyen highlighted that Ukraine would need robust protection commitments able to deterring any further attacks, asserting that Russia still upheld a post-WWII mentality and viewed the European landmass as a "area of control".

She was addressing the EU legislature in Strasbourg as the America increased attempts to facilitate a settlement between Kyiv and Russian government.

Current Negotiation Progress

Negotiations recently in Geneva and then Abu Dhabi have culminated in Ukraine agreeing to the "fundamental aspects" of a conflict resolution, after changes were applied to an initial 28-point proposal widely criticized as overwhelmingly tilted towards Russia.

President Zelensky stated the revised proposal constituted "the correct strategy" - but significant disagreements with Russia continue and the Kremlin has consistently minimized suggestions of a settlement.

"I must emphasize from the start: Europe will back Ukraine and aid Ukraine consistently," von der Leyen stated.

Frozen Funds and Regulatory Considerations

She also addressed the subject of €210bn worth of Russian immobilized resources held in European financial institutions.

The Belgian government is currently objecting to the concept of diverting these resources to Ukraine, as it worries violating worldwide legal standards and having to bear the expenses should Moscow initiate a legal challenge.

Other countries also are concerned the repayment of the frozen assets could ultimately fall to EU citizens – while von der Leyen sought to reassure those worries, stating she could not envision such a scenario.

Continental Exclusion from Negotiations

Previous days of vigorous discussions have largely excluded the Europeans, who previously were blindsided by the US-Russia 28-point conflict resolution blueprint, which featured suggestions to hand land to Russia currently under Ukrainian control and restrict the extent of Ukraine's military.

European leaders have since maintained they will need a place in negotiations too, before any conclusive arrangement over how to conclude hostilities can be achieved.

"No decisions about Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Alliance matters need alliance approval," she informed lawmakers.

Upcoming Peace Endeavors

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz furthermore maintained Europe was "not subordinate, but a sovereign actor, with its distinct concerns and principles."

Nevertheless, as it stands EU countries are not scheduled to be participating in the following stage of talks and Russia has rejected participation by European leaders.

"The Europeans involving themselves in all these issues is, as I see it, absolutely superfluous," Russian presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov stated.

Alternatively, United States special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow in coming days, while the United States Army leader Dan Driscoll will visit Ukraine.

The US has been conducting "back-and-forth negotiations" between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of President Trump's renewed administration at the start of the year - but so far such efforts have been unable to yield significant progress.

Direct Discussions Suggested

Zelensky declared recently he sought personal discussions with President Trump before the month's conclusion to discuss the primary disagreements between the Ukrainian and the Moscow's stances, such as sovereignty over Ukraine's eastern regions, participation of the alliance and the scale of its armed forces.

Meanwhile, Trump posted a message on social media stating he would be willing to meet both Ukrainian President and Moscow leader soon, but "ONLY when the agreement to end this war is COMPLETE or, in its last steps".