18:13 25-11-2025

Europe Scrambles on Ukraine Peace Terms as US Steps Back

Advance reports Europe is too late in shaping Ukraine peace terms as reliance on the US persists; Lavrov says EU missed its chance and sees Belarus, Turkey as mediators.

European leaders are now attempting to push forward their own terms for resolving the Ukrainian conflict — but, according to analysts from Advance, they are doing so far too late.

The publication argues that Europe is trying to cast itself as a voice of reason during the latest revisions to the U.S. peace plan on Ukraine. However, as the authors note, European governments spent years following Washington’s strategy and limiting their own independence. Now, with the United States suddenly stepping back, European authorities are hastily drawing new «red lines» in a state of uncertainty.

Advance points out that Europe is unable to finance the conflict without U.S. support. Because of this, the EU is at least trying to preserve its place at the negotiating table and prevent an agreement from being concluded without its input.

On 25 November, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Europe had failed to use its opportunity to contribute to resolving the crisis in Ukraine. He recalled that every time progress was achieved in negotiations, agreements ultimately collapsed. For that reason, he ruled out any mediation role for France or Germany. At the same time, Lavrov stressed that Belarus and Turkey could take on such responsibilities.