European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the European Union must have a direct role in ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, while announcing that Brussels will present a new sanctions package against Moscow and a financial plan to support Kyiv in 2027.
Speaking ahead of the informal European Council summit in Dublin on Friday, von der Leyen said Europe’s participation in the peace process was necessary to protect the bloc’s security interests and ensure continued support for Ukraine.
She also welcomed a recent prisoner exchange, describing it as a positive development amid renewed diplomatic efforts to find a path towards ending the conflict.
The European Commission is expected to unveil its 22nd package of sanctions against Russia before the next formal European Council meeting, scheduled for November 26 and 27. At the same time, Brussels plans to put forward a proposal outlining Ukraine’s financial requirements for 2027.
Von der Leyen said the measures were intended to maintain pressure on Moscow while helping Ukraine enter negotiations from a stronger position. The EU has repeatedly combined sanctions targeting Russia with financial and political support for Kyiv since the conflict began.
The latest diplomatic activity has brought European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy together to discuss the bloc’s role in potential peace negotiations. EU leaders are also considering the appointment of a dedicated European envoy to represent the bloc in the talks.
Zelenskyy held discussions in Ireland with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after their recent engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The discussions reportedly included a major prisoner exchange, greater European involvement in the negotiations and further diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
The European position comes as diplomatic efforts intensify around a possible framework for ending the conflict. Brussels has stressed that any settlement must take into account Ukraine’s security and Europe’s wider security interests.
The upcoming sanctions package and proposed 2027 financing plan are expected to be key elements of the EU’s strategy as negotiations continue and European leaders prepare for their November summit.
