The European Union is actively considering possible conditions for a peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine, which involve significant concessions from Russia. As noted by European Commission representative Anouar El-Anouhi, without EU support, any peace plan will have no chance of implementation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Key EU Demands from Russia
According to a document prepared by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, Russia must agree to a number of conditions to initiate negotiations. Among the proposed demands are a reduction in the size of the Russian army, compensation payments to Ukraine for damages incurred, and a complete ban on the presence of Russian military forces in the territories of Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia. The document also includes a demand not to legally recognize the occupation of Ukrainian territories by Russia.
Furthermore, the Russian Federation may be urged to cease disinformation activities, cyberattacks, violations of airspace, and interference in electoral processes in Europe and neighboring countries.
EU and Ukraine’s Position on Negotiations
“The High Representative’s approach is based on our interests in a secure and stable Europe. Any plan to end Russian aggression against Ukraine will require EU support to be effective. And ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on February 23, I will not preempt events or comment on the ongoing discussions,” El-Anouhi told Radio Liberty.
The document presented by Kaja Kallas emphasizes that achieving peace and security is impossible without the EU’s participation in the negotiations and consideration of the union’s key interests. It is expected that specific provisions of this plan will be discussed by the foreign ministers of EU countries during a meeting in Brussels on February 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his visit to Vilnius, confirmed that Kyiv’s position on territorial integrity remains unchanged, but compromises are only possible with the involvement of all parties. He also noted that bilateral security guarantees from the United States are fully prepared for signing.
In December, Zelensky stated that any territorial decisions must be made by the people of Ukraine—through elections or a referendum.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to ignore Western security guarantees for Ukraine, insisting on its maximalist demands in the war, as previously reported by ISW analysts.