# Zelensky Urges EU to Define Clear Leadership for Peace Negotiations Ukraine demands a unified European representation at the negotiating table with Russia. - **Source:** [Il Sole 24 Ore – Mondo](https://www.ilsole24ore.com/sez/mondo) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/20b7ef2f-cf58-4de3-b243-c15c511aaff5 ## Zelensky Demands European Leadership President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to appoint specific, concrete leaders to represent the bloc in peace negotiations with Moscow. Speaking in Dublin, he insisted this decision must be finalized by late November. He emphasized that Europe should no longer remain on the sidelines, demanding participation on an equal footing with other global powers. ## Strategic Shift in Negotiations The call for unified leadership comes five years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As Kiev faces potential territorial concessions, the government seeks a reliable European partner with a clear strategy. Both the United States and Russia are increasingly accepting the necessity of formal European Union involvement in the ongoing diplomatic peace process. ## Current Diplomatic Format Limitations At recent Abu Dhabi talks, European representation included the European Council, the Commission, and three member states: Germany, France, and Italy. Despite this presence, Europeans only engaged with Ukraine and the United States. They were notably excluded from the direct negotiating table with Moscow, which remained limited to Kiev and Washington officials. ## Brussels Confirms Continued Involvement European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement welcoming the momentum in Abu Dhabi. They confirmed the European Union will remain engaged in this specific format. Meanwhile, Brussels is preparing a 22nd package of sanctions against the Kremlin, which is expected to be presented by late November. ## Defining the European Mandate The core challenge involves establishing a clear mandate for European representatives regarding Ukraine's future enlargement and potential Russian reparations. Leaders must also determine the bloc's stance on the territorial concessions Ukraine might be forced to accept. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that Europe requires a unified vision for both Ukraine and its own security. ## Helsinki Principles as Foundation Council President António Costa highlighted the 1975 Helsinki Act as the foundation for European principles. These include the inviolability of borders, peaceful dispute resolution, and sovereign equality. While the bloc officially defends the current security architecture, some member governments acknowledge that the existing framework will likely require significant renegotiation as demanded by Moscow. ## Security Interdependence Declared Approximately 40 of the 47 countries within the European Political Community committed to a French-led declaration. The document asserts that Ukraine's security is an integral component of broader Euro-Atlantic stability. It explicitly states that future developments regarding European strategic stability will be fundamentally conditioned by the final conclusion of the war in Ukraine. ## Urgency of Continental Realignment The European Union faces a critical moment of power realignment, requiring decisive leadership to guide the continent. With informal summits occurring in Dublin, the bloc must reconcile internal divisions to effectively influence the peace process. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether Europe acts as a primary negotiator or remains a secondary observer. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/zelensky-preme-leader-serve-posizione-chiara-e-rappresentanza-europea-AJR6EkEC — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._