CaliToday (27/11/2025): In a defiant address to European lawmakers on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged that the European Union would stand with Ukraine "every step of the way," signaling a united front as the bloc navigates a controversial new peace proposal initiated by the United States.
'Europe will stand with Ukraine and support Ukraine every step of the way,' said von der Leyen (FREDERICK FLORIN)
With the geopolitical landscape shifting rapidly, Brussels is scrambling to assert its influence on a US-brokered plan that critics argue is heavily slanted toward Moscow's demands. Despite these concerns, von der Leyen pragmatically described the revised American proposal as a "starting point" for negotiations toward a "just and lasting peace."
Navigating a "Volatile" Opportunity
The diplomatic atmosphere in Brussels is charged with urgency. Von der Leyen acknowledged the precarious nature of the current talks, which aim to refine the US framework into a settlement that guarantees Kyiv's sovereignty.
"I want to be clear from the very outset: Europe will stand with Ukraine and support Ukraine every step of the way," von der Leyen told the European Parliament. "Yes, the situation is volatile. Yes, the situation is dangerous. But I believe there is also an opportunity here to make real progress."
Her comments come as EU officials engage in intense "diplomatic dances" to ensure that any potential ceasefire does not simply freeze the conflict in Russia’s favor.
The $162 Billion Question: Making Moscow Pay
Beyond the rhetoric of peace, the EU is locked in a race against time to secure the financial lifeline Kyiv desperately needs. The bloc is wrangling over the logistics of a massive €140 billion ($162 billion) loan for Ukraine, to be repaid using the windfall profits from frozen Russian central bank assets.
The plan faces technical hurdles, particularly from Belgium, where the majority of these assets are immobilized. However, von der Leyen was adamant that the financial burden must shift away from EU citizens.
"To be very clear — I cannot see any scenario in which the European taxpayers alone will pay the bill," she stated, confirming that a legal text is being prepared for approval at the crucial EU summit in December.
Kallas: Forcing Russia to the Table
Echoing von der Leyen’s resolve, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas took a harder line during hastily arranged talks with foreign ministers. Kallas warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not yet negotiating in good faith.
"We still need to get from a situation where Russia pretends to negotiate to a situation where they need to negotiate," Kallas argued. "Putin cannot achieve his goals on the battlefield, so he will try to negotiate his way there."
Kallas rejected suggestions that a peace deal should include curbs on Ukraine’s armed forces. Instead, she insisted the focus must be on limiting the aggressor's capacity to launch future invasions. She urged the bloc to finalize the asset-backed loan quickly to send the "strongest message to Moscow that it cannot wait us out."
Summary of Key Developments
| Key Figure | Stance/Action | Quote |
| Ursula von der Leyen | Supports US plan as a "starting point" but vows total support for Kyiv. Pushing for asset-backed loans. | "Europe will stand with Ukraine... every step of the way." |
| Kaja Kallas | Skeptical of Russia's intent; demands "concessions" from Moscow, not Kyiv. | "Russia pretends to negotiate... [we must make it so] they need to negotiate." |
| The US Plan | A revised proposal to end fighting, viewed by some in Europe as slanted toward Russia. | N/A |
| The Funding | A proposed €140bn ($162bn) loan funded by frozen Russian assets. | "European taxpayers alone will [not] pay the bill." |