von der Leyen draws red line: No discussion on European security architecture before Ukraine ceasefire, and EU and NATO must be at the table
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that substantive discussions on Europe’s future security architecture can only begin after a ceasefire in Ukraine is achieved, and such talks must take place on appropriate platforms with participation from NATO allies and EU member states. The remarks were made during a press conference held in Romania.
“I want to be absolutely clear: Any substantive discussion on Europe’s security architecture can only occur following a sustainable ceasefire in Ukraine. At the same time, such discussions must happen on appropriate platforms—initially involving NATO allies and EU member states,” she said.
Von der Leyen emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought support from European partners, and the EU is actively providing it.
As Russia, the United States, and Ukraine prepare for negotiations, concerns have grown among European capitals that their interests may be sidelined in future security architecture talks. There is particular anxiety that Moscow and Washington might reach agreements on security guarantees without EU involvement—agreements that would directly affect European security and the role of NATO.
Earlier in late October, the Financial Times reported divisions within Europe over how to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin. While some countries advocated direct dialogue with Moscow, others insisted such contacts should proceed only under a unified EU position. The recent phone calls between Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre with Putin, conducted without prior coordination with the EU, drew criticism from Denmark, Italy, and Lithuania.
In early November, European alertness intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he was preparing a comprehensive security agreement that could extend beyond Ukraine to encompass the entire continent. Following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special representative and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, Trump described the document as “a grand and beautiful agreement.”
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, further elaborated that the initiative envisions ongoing consultations on security issues, reliable communication channels during crises, transparency in military matters, mutual measures to reduce escalation risks, and the establishment of foundations for long-term stability in Europe.
However, European capitals remain skeptical. According to sources cited by Politico, NATO diplomats were not informed of the details of the U.S. plan in advance. A particular concern centers on the potential number of American troops stationed in Europe. One source noted that any proposal to discuss the future security architecture with Russia without the participation of European allies would likely face strong opposition.
Security guarantees have emerged as one of the central topics in the tripartite talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. President Putin previously stated that the negotiations would address security assurances for both countries following a peace agreement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added that such guarantees should be reciprocal.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1881433542372363/
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