Ursula von der Leyen: Europe's Full Support for Ukraine and Warning to Moscow

Condemnation and European Stance

• ⚠️ The speech began by condemning a recent Russian drone and missile attack on Ternopil, Ukraine, which resulted in over 30 deaths, including a 7-year-old child named Amelka.
• 💡 Europe expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and emphasizes that Ukraine is fighting for its security, freedom, independence, and the values of the UN Charter.
• ✅ The European Commission president affirmed that Europe will stand with Ukraine and support it at every step towards a just and lasting peace.

Contrasting Peace Visions

• 🎯 Russia's strategy aims to outlast Ukraine and its allies, often escalating violence when serious peace negotiations begin, viewing Ukraine as just the first step in a larger game.
• 🗺️ For Russia, any peace deal involves redrawing maps and re-establishing spheres of influence, reminiscent of past power dynamics.
• 🕊️ In contrast, Ukraine and Europe seek a peace that ends the conflict permanently, prevents future conflicts, and establishes a strong, sustainable security architecture for the continent, supported by a strong Europe, NATO, and transatlantic partnership.

Core Principles for a Just Peace

• 🔑 Any agreement must lead to a just and lasting peace and ensure true security for Ukraine and Europe, without limiting Ukraine's armed forces to prevent future attacks.
• 🛡️ Ukraine requires robust, long-term, and credible security guarantees as part of a broader package to deter and discourage future Russian aggression.
• 🌍 The sovereignty of Ukraine must be respected, meaning no unilateral partitioning of a sovereign nation and no changing borders by force, as this would set a dangerous precedent.

Financial Support and European Integration

• 💰 Europe is committed to covering Ukraine's financial needs for 2026 and 2027, with discussions ongoing regarding options like utilizing immobilized Russian assets.
• ⚖️ Any decision on Russian assets must comply with competent jurisdiction and European and international law, and European taxpayers should not bear the entire financial burden.
• 🤝 A fundamental principle for any future peace treaty implementation is "Nothing on Ukraine without Ukraine," extending to Europe and NATO, covering security guarantees, sanctions, financing, and reconstruction.

Humanitarian Concerns and Future Path

• 💔 A critical priority is the return of every Ukrainian child kidnapped by Russia, with tens of thousands missing, and Europe pledges to continue helping reunite these children with their families.
• ⚡ Despite the complex, unstable, and dangerous situation, there is an opportunity for real progress, but continued pressure on Russia is necessary as it shows no real will for peace.
• 🌱 Europe's duty is to pursue all efforts for a just and lasting peace, ensuring durable security for Ukraine and the continent, and building a better European future for Ukraine.