Von der Leyen outlines the framework for a just peace in Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined how she sees a just peace for Ukraine.

She said this during a speech at the Globsec forum in Bratislava on Wednesday, according to Yevropeiska Pravda.

Von der Leyen noted that today there are many discussions about various peace plans and a ceasefire in Ukraine.

"First of all, there should be a principle: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Together with Ukraine, we are striving for a just peace that does not reward the aggressor, but supports the principles of the UN Charter and the right of the Ukrainian people to be the masters of their own future," the European Commissioner said.

She emphasized that the ceasefire will lead to a frozen conflict and will not bring lasting peace.

"After all, there was a ceasefire after 2014, and we know what happened to that agreement last February when Russia invaded. A ceasefire would be inherently unstable and destabilize the region along the contact line. No one would invest and rebuild, and the conflict could flare up again at any time," she added.

A just peace must end with the withdrawal of Russian troops and their equipment from the territory of Ukraine, von der Leyen is convinced.

"President Zelenskyy has proposed a 'Formula for Peace' that we wholeheartedly support. Each of its ten points is based on the UN Charter or UN resolutions. And he has invited countries around the world to join and develop the Formula for Peace. Therefore, our starting point for peace is a rules-based order," the EC President said.

Author - Olena Madiak, 31/05/2023