Von der Leyen sets out EU’s core principles for a just peace plan for Ukraine

The statement, released by the European Commission on Nov. 23, follows several days of high-level talks focused on the U.S. proposal for ending the conflict.

“Ukraine has been at the center of many discussions in recent days,” von der Leyen said. “Any credible and sustainable peace plan must, above all, stop the killing and end the war—without planting the seeds for a future conflict. We agreed on the essential elements needed for a just and durable peace and for Ukraine’s sovereignty.”

She highlighted three core principles.

“First, borders cannot be changed by force. Second, as a sovereign state, Ukraine cannot face limits on its armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks—and undermine Europe’s security. Third, the European Union’s central role in securing peace for Ukraine must be fully reflected,” von der Leyen said.

She emphasized that Ukraine must remain free to choose its own path.

“Ukraine has chosen a European future,” she said. “That begins with reconstruction, integration into our single market and defense industrial base, and ultimately—membership in our Union.”

Von der Leyen added that the EU will continue coordinating closely with Ukraine, EU member states, the “coalition of the willing,” and the United States to make progress toward a workable peace framework.

She also underscored one issue she said must remain non-negotiable: the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

“Of all the horrors of this war, none carries deeper meaning,” she said. “Tens of thousands of boys and girls remain trapped in Russia—frightened, longing for their families. We must put these children at the top of the global agenda.”

The EU, Ukraine, and Canada will co-host a summit dedicated to securing the return of deported Ukrainian children. “We will not rest until every child is reunited with their family, in their home,” von der Leyen said.

U.S. peace plan for Ukraine — what is known

On Nov. 20, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a 28-point draft peace plan from Washington, developed under the direction of U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, who consulted with Russian representatives. Zelenskyy is expected to discuss the proposal with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days.

According to Axios, the plan would require Ukraine to recognize Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as de facto Russian; freeze fighting along the current line of contact in Kherson and Zaporizhzhya oblasts; limit Ukraine’s armed forces to 600,000 personnel; and enshrine a non-aligned status in the Constitution, effectively blocking NATO membership.

The proposal also envisions Ukraine remaining a non-nuclear state, joint Ukrainian-Russian management of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant under IAEA oversight, and nationwide elections within 100 days of signing a deal.

Trump has said he wants Zelenskyy to agree to the plan before Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 27). Reuters reported that Washington has threatened to halt intelligence sharing and military aid if Kyiv rejects the proposal.

European governments have rejected the plan, calling it a de facto capitulation.

Zelenskyy said the country is facing “one of the most difficult moments in its history,” noting that Ukraine is under intense pressure and risks losing a key partner. He pledged to offer alternative proposals to ensure the peace plan reflects Ukraine’s national interests.