The European Commission has affirmed its position that Crimea belongs to Ukraine, despite reports that the United States has proposed recognizing the Russian-occupied peninsula. The US proposal also includes recognition of other territories Russia has seized in Ukraine, but the European Union has not followed suit, emphasizing its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The proposal was put forward during a meeting in Paris, with Ukraine rejecting any deal that involves acknowledging Russian control over Ukrainian land.
The US proposal also includes a lifting of sanctions against Russia, a key demand from Moscow. Donald Trump’s administration has been considering offering sanctions relief to Russia as an incentive for reaching a peace settlement with Ukraine. However, Western allies, including the European Commission, have rebuffed Putin’s requests for sanctions relief, insisting that peace must be established before any sanctions can be lifted. The Commission is working on a new package of sanctions, the 17th since February 2022, as a response to Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine.
Approval and renewal of sanctions require unanimous support from all 27 EU member states. Hungary has threatened to block renewals of sanctions in the past, highlighting the challenges of maintaining unity within the bloc. Contingency measures are being prepared in case a veto occurs in the future, but creating a new framework with fewer member states poses risks and could increase legal uncertainty. Existing sanctions cover freezing the €210 billion in assets from the Russian Central Bank, which Moscow wants to recover but has been used as collateral for a loan for Kyiv.
America’s proposal is seen as Trump’s “final offer” amid indications that the White House is growing impatient with diplomatic efforts to end the war. US officials have stated that territorial swaps may be necessary for peace to be achieved, with both Ukraine and Russia needing to make concessions. The EU has expressed concerns about the American approach, which they perceive as biased towards Russian interests. The European Commission is focused on supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
EU officials have emphasized the importance of peace in Ukraine and the need for all parties to engage in dialogue to end the conflict. The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused humanitarian suffering and instability in the region, necessitating a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life. The European Commission, along with other Western allies, remains committed to supporting Ukraine and upholding international law in response to Russia’s aggression. The situation in Ukraine remains a top priority for European leaders as they work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
