Negotiating peace in Ukraine cannot happen without the involvement of Ukraine, emphasized EU leaders’ chairman António Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in South Africa on Friday.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the EU leaders António Costa (Photo: JAIPAL SINGH / AFP)
JOHANNESBURG (ANP) – “We will discuss the situation with both the European leaders and the leaders here on the sidelines of the G20,” said Von der Leyen. She will also reach out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Costa said that the EU was not aware of the plans. “It makes no sense for me, for us, to comment on this at this moment.” Costa reiterated that the EU “is fully committed to unwavering support for Ukraine.”
“Ukraine can count on us, because this is not only aggression against Ukraine, but also aggression against the principles of the United Nations Charter,” said Von der Leyen. “It is taking place on European soil, and therefore we will support Ukraine for as long as necessary.”
(November 21, 2025)
