European leaders made clear on Monday that they would not support any peace proposal for the Russia-Ukraine conflict that is negotiated without the participation of both Ukraine and European countries. The message was delivered separately in Paris, Berlin, and other European capitals, underscoring a shared position that Ukraine’s future cannot be decided by external powers alone.
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed during a joint press conference with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that any peace arrangement related to the conflict must involve Ukraine and Europe directly. Speaking at the Elysee Palace, Macron said discussions on issues such as frozen Russian assets, long term security guarantees and Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership require European partners at the table. He also noted that no finalized peace proposal exists at the moment.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks an end to the conflict that preserves its dignity and security. He described the territorial dimension of future negotiations as the most challenging issue and repeated that Kyiv needs firm international guarantees. According to the Elysee Palace, the two leaders also held talks with European officials and negotiators from the United States and Ukraine earlier in the day.
Germany took a similar position. In Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany would reject any externally imposed settlement that excludes Ukraine. He told reporters after meeting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that no decision affecting Ukraine or Europe should be made without the involvement of Ukrainians and Europeans. Tusk voiced support for Ukraine as well, saying that Poland and Germany are working together to enhance European security during a critical period.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics also weighed in, saying Europe must be included in any negotiations on a potential peace agreement. Speaking to Latvian Radio, he said policymakers in Latvia, in the wider Nordic Baltic region, and across the EU and NATO remain committed to three key principles. These include respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, preservation of its sovereignty, and consideration of its security interests.
Meanwhile, Russia confirmed new diplomatic activity. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin will meet on Tuesday with Steve Witkoff, the United States presidential special envoy, to discuss ways to end the conflict. This follows the release of a 28 point plan drafted by the United States two weeks ago. Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and several European countries met in Geneva on November 23 to discuss the proposal.
The diplomatic efforts come during a difficult period for Kyiv. Ukrainian forces have been losing territory on the eastern front, and the Kremlin announced on Monday that Russian troops have taken control of Krasnoarmeysk in the Donetsk region and Volchansk in the Kharkiv region. Putin was informed of the developments during a briefing on Sunday evening.
