Europe must join Ukraine peace talks, von der Leyen insists

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen insisted it is "self-explanatory" that Europe must be included in peace negotiations on Ukraine, stating this is needed "to safeguard our interests, but also to support Ukraine." Von der Leyen announced the Commission will propose funding for Ukraine's 2027 needs and a 22nd sanctions package before the next European Council. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed readiness to join the negotiating team, warning against falling into Russian traps and emphasizing that a ceasefire must come before peace talks. US officials have urged Europe to select a unifying representative for the tripartite negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Potential candidates include several European leaders, though former officials like Gerhard Schroder and Durão Barroso face obstacles due to past Russian or corporate ties.