A coalition of European and international leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, issued a statement on 22 November 2025 addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the pursuit of peace. This statement reflects the perspective of the signatories and not necessarily the views of their entire institutions.
The leaders welcomed initial efforts by the United States to broker a peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict. They acknowledged a draft 28-point plan as a useful foundation but stressed that it needs further development to ensure justice and lasting peace. Key among their concerns is the protection of Ukraine's territorial integrity, with explicit rejection of any peace terms that would alter borders by force.
Additionally, the leaders expressed apprehension about proposed restrictions on Ukraine's military capacity, fearing that limitations could undermine Ukraine's ability to defend itself against future aggression. They underscored that any provisions related to EU membership or NATO involvement must have the explicit approval of respective member states, emphasizing respect for national sovereignty within these alliances.
Policy-wise, the statement signals cautious engagement—supportive of continued negotiations yet wary of terms that might disadvantage Ukraine militarily or politically. This stance balances between supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities and maintaining the autonomy of EU and NATO decision-making processes.
Stakeholders affected include Ukraine as the primary beneficiary of sustained support and defense autonomy; EU and NATO members, who retain authority over alliance-related commitments; the United States, as a peace broker; and regional security entities navigating the delicate balance between peace efforts and military preparedness.
The statement's concrete impact lies in setting non-negotiable principles—unchanged borders and sovereign consent for alliance matters—thereby shaping negotiations without yet proposing formal new institutional structures, deadlines, or budgetary commitments. Business and civil society stakeholders remain indirectly affected by ongoing geopolitical stability considerations.
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