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European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has characterized the situation concerning the Ukraine war as "unpredictable" and "risky" while claiming Russia of lacking "real intention" of joining conflict resolution discussions.

The statements came shortly before Moscow representative Dmitry Peskov declared it was "too early" to mention reaching a ceasefire agreement.

Protection Guarantees and European Stand

Von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine would need substantial protection commitments capable of preventing any subsequent assaults, arguing that Russia still adhered to a post-World War Two mentality and considered the European continent as a "sphere of influence".

She was addressing the EU legislature in Strasbourg as the US intensified efforts to facilitate a deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Latest Peace Advancements

Negotiations this week in Switzerland and then United Arab Emirates have resulted in Ukraine accepting the "core" of a ceasefire agreement, after changes were implemented in an preliminary 28-clause proposal heavily condemned as strongly biased in favor of Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated the new draft represented "the correct strategy" - but serious conflicting issues with Russia remain and the Russian government has repeatedly downplayed suggestions of a compromise.

"I must emphasize from the very outset: The European Union will support Ukraine and support Ukraine consistently," von der Leyen stated.

Frozen Assets and Regulatory Issues

Furthermore addressed the subject of €210bn value of Russia's frozen assets held in EU banks.

Belgium is currently opposing the proposal of transferring these funds to Ukraine, as it worries contravening international law and being forced to foot the bill in case Moscow launch a court case.

Further states likewise are worried the reimbursement of the frozen assets could finally become the responsibility of European taxpayers – although von der Leyen sought to allay those fears, remarking she could not envision such a outcome.

European Exclusion from Negotiations

The last days of strong discussions have largely omitted the Europeans, who recently were blindsided by the United States-Russia 28-point conflict resolution blueprint, which featured recommendations to cede territory to Russia still under Ukraine's administration and curb the extent of Ukraine's military.

European leaders have afterward asserted they will necessitate a place in negotiations also, before any final agreement over how to conclude hostilities can be achieved.

"Ukrainian matters require Ukrainian participation. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Nothing about Nato without Nato," she informed Parliament.

Forthcoming Negotiation Efforts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz additionally maintained EU nations was "not a pawn, but a sovereign actor, with its particular priorities and values."

Nevertheless, as it stands EU countries are not set to be participating in the subsequent phase of talks and Russia has dismissed involvement by continental representatives.

"EU countries meddling in all these matters is, as I see it, totally superfluous," Russian presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov said.

Conversely, American presidential representative Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow in coming days, while the American Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will go to Ukraine.

The United States has been participating in "mediator travel" between Russia and Ukraine starting with the commencement of President Trump's renewed administration at the start of the year - but so far such efforts have been unable to produce meaningful progress.

Personal Talks Suggested

President Zelensky stated earlier he wanted direct talks with Trump before the month's end to examine the key differences between the Kyiv's and the Russian stances, such as authority over Ukraine's eastern territories, membership of the defense organization and the extent of its armed forces.

Concurrently, US leader posted a communication on digital platforms declaring he would be ready to meet both Kyiv leader and Moscow leader shortly, but "ONLY when the deal to conclude hostilities is FINAL or, in its last steps".