Ursula von der Leyen said Russia must now show it wants peace after Kyiv and allies agreed a 20‑point plan backed by security guarantees that would activate after a ceasefire. The guarantees hinge first on Ukraine's well‑trained armed forces, which Europe will help equip, and second on a 35‑nation Coalition of the Willing. The United States is expected to play a central role in verification, monitoring and as a potential backstop. The EU will publish a "prosperity paper" outlining short‑term and decade‑long measures to support Ukraine's economic recovery.
Von der Leyen: Russia Must Now Prove It Wants Peace After Kyiv’s 20‑Point Plan; EU Pledges Security Guarantees
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference following her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the Delegation of the European Union in Beijing, China April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said it is now up to Russia to demonstrate a genuine interest in peace after Kyiv and its partners agreed a 20‑point peace plan and a package of security guarantees that would take effect following a ceasefire.
She identified the plan as the same 20‑point proposal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of last year. Von der Leyen said that, alongside that plan, the United States and European partners have developed substantial, robust and clearly defined security guarantees for Kyiv.
"Now, Russia has to show that they are interested in peace," von der Leyen said.
Von der Leyen explained the proposed guarantees would operate on two levels. The first line of defence would be Ukraine's own armed forces — which she described as well trained and battle‑experienced — and European countries would take responsibility for ensuring those forces are properly equipped.
The second line would be a so‑called Coalition of the Willing, comprised of 35 countries including most EU members as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. She welcomed strong U.S. participation, saying Americans will play a key role in verification, monitoring and providing a backstop if required.
The European Commission is also preparing measures to secure Ukraine's economic recovery after a ceasefire. A forthcoming "prosperity paper" will set out short‑term actions and a decade‑long framework to revive Ukraine's economy and support reconstruction and institutional resilience.
Background: These guarantees are designed to become effective following a ceasefire, combining Ukrainian self‑defence capacity, multinational deterrence and international verification to reduce the risk of renewed hostilities.
Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Ros Russell.
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