Chairs of foreign affairs committees in the parliaments of 20 European countries have issued a joint statement warning against any peace terms that would amount to rewarding Russia for launching its war against Ukraine.

Source: the statement published by Marko Mihkelson, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Estonian Riigikogu, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The appeal was signed by representatives of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Poland, Czechia, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine and the European Parliament.

They stress that the way the Russo-Ukrainian war ends, and the conditions of peace, will determine Europe's security for decades to come and concern the existential interests of all Europeans.

Quote: "Our goal has always been, and remains, a just and lasting peace that is grounded in international law and fully respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. Such a peace cannot be achieved by yielding to or rewarding the aggressor; it requires sustained pressure on Russia and unwavering support for Ukraine for any solution to succeed… Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe.

Genuine negotiations cannot begin with Ukraine being asked to pre-emptively accept Russian demands. The era of empires is over, and Europe will never accept as legitimate any notion of Russian 'security interests' that extend beyond its borders or presume the right to shape Europe's security order."

Details: The committee chairs underline that security guarantees for Ukraine under any potential peace agreement must be legally binding and backed by reassurance forces in Ukraine, as well as capabilities that would prevent renewed aggression.

Quote: "Ukraine must not be subjected to limits on its armed forces or constraints on its foreign or domestic policies while Russia faces none. At a minimum, Russia must withdraw its troops from occupied territories and engage with international bodies to ensure accountability for those responsible for atrocities."

Details: They emphasise that Europe's security and Ukraine's sovereignty – including its right to choose its alliances – and accountability for those responsible for war crimes are red lines that cannot be crossed.

Background:

• On 21 November, Axios published the list of points in the new US "peace plan" presented to Ukraine, drafted without Europe's involvement and requiring numerous concessions by Ukraine to Russia.
• Over the weekend, European leaders proposed their own amendments. Talks between US and Ukrainian delegations were held in Geneva, after which the draft was significantly revised in Ukraine's favour.
• The Kremlin has claimed it has not received "any peace plan" following the Geneva talks and criticised the amendments proposed by European leaders.

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