The European Parliament's president asserts that the EU must take a leading role in peace negotiations.

The European Union must play a central role in the peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. However, to act from a position of strength, Europe must enhance its own defense capabilities.

This was stated by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in an interview with RBK-Ukraine.

"I believe that a just and lasting peace in Ukraine also aligns with the interests of the United States. No one wants to see Putin in Kyiv," Metsola said while commenting on U.S. statements suggesting that Europe has no place at the negotiating table.

Regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, the President of the European Parliament believes that the international community should present a united front, and Europe bears a special responsibility. She reminded that the EU has provided 135 billion euros in assistance to ensure Ukraine's financial stability and defense, more than any other ally.

"Ukraine's security is Europe's security, and that is why the EU must play a central role in peace negotiations. I think this is widely recognized. But to act from a position of strength, we must strengthen our own defense capabilities. If we are serious about our security, our financial commitments must reflect the threats we face," Metsola stated.

She added that last year, Russia's defense budget increased by 42% to reach 430 billion euros, while the European budget, including the UK, only grew by 12% to 425 billion euros.

"Our voters have already expressed their position in the elections last June. They want us to act faster, more decisively, and above all, with confidence," emphasized the President of the European Parliament.

Metsola also commented on NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's remarks that Europe must "carve out its place" at the negotiating table. According to her, this once again confirms the necessity of increasing European defense spending and strengthening self-confidence.

"Now we must demonstrate leadership and, most importantly, unity. We have already shown this unity by unanimously adopting fifteen packages of sanctions against Russia, and we must do it again. We will be strong and influential only when we speak with one voice," the President of the European Parliament believes.

She noted that Ukraine, as a candidate for EU membership, shares a common future with Europe, so the European Union is interested in ensuring its security and stability.

"If we manage to maintain unity, we will become a powerful partner at the negotiating table," Metsola stressed.

The U.S. Does Not See Europe at the Negotiating Table

Recall that on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg stated that he does not see Europe physically at the negotiating table regarding Ukraine. At the same time, he assured that European interests would be taken into account.

This position of the U.S. has sparked a wave of criticism from EU countries. Following the statements from U.S. representatives in Munich, French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency European summit in Paris.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on Kellogg's statement, stated that Ukraine must decide for itself who will be at the negotiations.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that Europe must "carve out" a place at the negotiating table, including through peace proposals and strengthening defense.