European Commission president says Russia still sees Europe ‘in terms of spheres of influence’, just as it did in conference to reorganise continent after second world war
On the latest talks, von der Leyen pointedly welcomes Trump-led peace efforts, and says that “we know that much more effort is needed, but … thanks to the work of Ukraine, the US, and us Europeans over the last few days in Geneva, we have a starting point.”
She says the deal needs to deliver “a just and lasting peace” and “real security for Ukraine and Europe,” with no limitation on Ukraine’s armed forces, which she warns “would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks.”
“This is as much about deterrence as it is about Europe’s security, because Ukraine security is Europe’s security,” she says.
She also says the deal needs to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty as she warns “we know that Russia’s mindset has not changed since the days of Yalta, seeing our continent in terms of spheres of influence.”
