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Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen has portrayed the situation surrounding the Ukrainian conflict as "unstable" and "risky" while alleging Russia of showing no "real purpose" of engaging in peace talks.

Her remarks came shortly before Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared it was "too early" to speak about concluding a conflict resolution.

Security Assurances and European Position

Von der Leyen highlighted that Ukraine would necessitate robust protection commitments capable of discouraging any additional assaults, contending that Russia still maintained a post-Second World War perspective and saw the European continent as a "zone of dominance".

She was addressing the Continental parliament in Strasbourg as the United States ramped up efforts to facilitate a settlement between Kyiv and Moscow.

Current Peace Progress

Negotiations in recent days in Switzerland and then UAE have resulted in Ukraine agreeing to the "essence" of a conflict resolution, after adjustments were applied to an original 28-article plan broadly denounced as overwhelmingly tilted supporting Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated the updated version embodied "the correct approach" - but major disagreements with Russia persist and the Russian government has consistently minimized proposals of a compromise.

"I want to be clear from the start: The European Union will back Ukraine and aid Ukraine every step of the way," EU chief emphasized.

Immobilized Assets and Regulatory Concerns

She also referenced the subject of €210 billion worth of Russia's blocked funds held in European financial institutions.

Belgian authorities is currently resisting the idea of diverting these assets to Ukraine, as it is concerned about breaching global regulations and being made to foot the bill should Moscow launch a judicial appeal.

Additional nations also are concerned the reimbursement of the frozen assets could ultimately fall to EU citizens – though von der Leyen attempted to allay those fears, saying she could not envision such a situation.

European Marginalization from Talks

Previous days of intense diplomacy have largely omitted the Europeans, who previously were surprised by the American-Russian 28-clause peace plan, which contained proposals to hand territory to Russia presently controlled by Ukrainian control and curb the extent of Ukraine's armed forces.

EU officials have subsequently insisted they will necessitate a seat at the table as well, before any conclusive arrangement over how to resolve the conflict can be achieved.

"Ukrainian matters require Ukrainian participation. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Alliance matters need alliance approval," she told lawmakers.

Future Peace Efforts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz furthermore maintained Europe was "not subordinate, but a autonomous entity, with its own interests and ethics."

Nonetheless, as it stands EU countries are not set to be included in the following stage of negotiations and Russia has batted off involvement by European leaders.

"The Europeans involving themselves in all these matters is, as I see it, totally superfluous," Russian presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov declared.

Alternatively, US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow in coming days, while the US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will visit Ukraine.

The United States has been conducting "mediator travel" between Russia and Ukraine from the beginning of Trump's second term in recent months - but up to now such efforts have not managed to yield significant outcomes.

Personal Talks Suggested

President Zelensky declared recently he desired face-to-face negotiations with Trump before the month's conclusion to discuss the primary differences between the Ukraine's and the Moscow's viewpoints, such as control over Ukraine's eastern areas, membership of the alliance and the scale of its armed forces.

Meanwhile, Trump posted a statement on social media stating he would be ready to confer with both Ukrainian President and Moscow leader shortly, but "SOLELY when the settlement to end this war is COMPLETE or, in its last steps".