Putin will have to show that he does not seek to destroy Ukraine – European Commission President

As the President of the European Commission noted, peace in Ukraine must be just and lasting to prevent a recurrence of war.

"On the other hand, President Putin says he is willing to meet. But on what terms? It is up to him to demonstrate that his interest is not to prolong this war. It is up to him to show that he's given up his ambition to destroy Ukraine. Let me be very clear - a failed Ukraine would weaken Europe, but it would also weaken the United States," she stated.

Europe will also be at the negotiating table

According to von der Leyen, achieving lasting peace is possible only with the participation of the European Union (EU) alongside Kyiv.

Another key component is Ukraine's integration into the EU. She stated that efforts to accelerate the country’s accession to the economic and political union are being intensified.

She explained that although a lot had already been done, it is now the time to intensify these efforts. She emphasized that exemptions for national budgets, a joint approach to investments, and accelerating Ukraine's accession to the EU should be the new goals of the European Union.

Possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

Yesterday, February 13, US President Donald Trump announced a meeting between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States at the Munich Security Conference. However, it later turned out that Russian representatives had not been accredited, meaning they would not be attending the event.

Meanwhile, US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, emphasized that Zelenskyy and Putin must hold negotiations. He also noted that the Kremlin’s claims about the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian leader would not work.