Russia must now show that it is interested in peace, said von der Leyen.
Now it is up to Russia to show its interest in peace, after Kiev and its allies agreed on a peace plan and security guarantees that would take effect after the ceasefire, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In an interview with reporters, she said the peace plan is a 20-point proposal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with US President Donald Trump late last year.
She added that, in addition to the plan, there are also extensive, robust, and well-defined security guarantees for Kyiv from the United States and Europe.
She said that the security guarantees will primarily rely on the Ukrainian armed forces, which she said are well trained and have combat experience. According to her, the role of Europeans will be to ensure that the Ukrainian army is also well equipped.
The second line of defense would be the so-called Coalition of the Willing—35 countries, including most EU countries, as well as Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey.
"It is very good that the Americans are involved, especially in verification and monitoring, but also as a safety net," said von der Leyen.
(reuters, im)