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EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described the situation regarding the Ukraine war as "volatile" and "dangerous" while accusing Russia of showing no "real intention" of participating in ceasefire negotiations.

These comments preceded Moscow representative Dmitry Peskov stated it was "premature" to mention striking a ceasefire agreement.

Security Guarantees and European Position

Von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine would require strong defense assurances capable of deterring any further offensives, asserting that Russia still maintained a post-Second World War perspective and considered the European continent as a "area of control".

Her speech targeted the EU legislature in Strasbourg as the US intensified attempts to mediate a deal between Kyiv and Russian government.

Recent Peace Progress

Talks in recent days in Geneva and then UAE have culminated in Ukraine accepting the "fundamental aspects" of a conflict resolution, after modifications were applied to an initial 28-point proposal broadly denounced as overwhelmingly tilted in favor of Russia.

President Zelensky stated the updated version embodied "the correct method" - but significant points of contention with Russia continue and the Moscow leadership has repeatedly downplayed suggestions of a compromise.

"I must emphasize from the very outset: Europe will stand with Ukraine and assist Ukraine every step of the way," EU chief emphasized.

Immobilized Funds and Juridical Considerations

She also addressed the matter of 210 billion euros worth of Russian blocked funds held in European financial institutions.

The Belgian government is currently resisting the concept of transferring these funds to Ukraine, as it fears contravening global regulations and having to foot the bill if Moscow launch a legal challenge.

Other countries too are concerned the repayment of the frozen assets could ultimately become the responsibility of continental residents – while von der Leyen attempted to calm those fears, saying she could not picture such a scenario.

European Omission from Negotiations

The last days of vigorous discussions have largely left out the EU countries, who previously were surprised by the US-Russia 28-article conflict resolution blueprint, which contained recommendations to cede land to Russia currently under Kyiv's authority and limit the scale of Ukraine's military.

Continental representatives have since maintained they will necessitate a seat at the table as well, before any definitive settlement over how to conclude hostilities can be achieved.

"No decisions about Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement. Nothing about Europe without Europe. NATO decisions require NATO consensus," she informed Parliament.

Forthcoming Negotiation Attempts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz additionally asserted the European Union was "not a pawn, but a autonomous entity, with its particular priorities and principles."

However, as it presently appears EU countries are not set to be included in the subsequent phase of negotiations and Russia has batted off engagement by European leaders.

"European nations involving themselves in all these issues is, as I see it, totally unnecessary," Russian presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov declared.

Conversely, US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to journey to Moscow next week, while the US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will go to Ukraine.

The United States has been engaging in "back-and-forth negotiations" between Russia and Ukraine starting with the start of Trump's second term in recent months - but to date such efforts have failed to generate significant progress.

Face-to-face Negotiations Recommended

Zelensky declared recently he wanted direct talks with Trump before the end of the month to address the main differences between the Ukrainian and the Russia's stances, such as authority over Ukraine's eastern areas, membership of Nato and the scale of its military.

Meanwhile, Trump posted a message on social media declaring he would be willing to confer with both Kyiv leader and Moscow leader in the near future, but "SOLELY when the agreement to conclude hostilities is FINAL or, in its last steps".