We are at an existential crossroads for security and peace in Europe. The priority now is to achieve lasting peace for Ukraine – ensuring it is safeguarded from future Russian aggression. A sham peace, which would merely grant Russia a reprieve to prepare for new military offensives, would serve no one: not Ukraine, not Europe, and not the United States.

We must not allow ourselves to be rattled by the latest discussions; rather, we must keep a cool head – especially given the many different voices we hear from across the Atlantic. Lasting peace in Europe can only be achieved together with Europe. Downplaying Europe’s role only plays into Russia’s hands, furthering its agenda. I therefore advocate a confident and assertive approach towards the US Administration.

We need to find out whether Putin is finally ready to end his brutal war against the Ukrainian people or whether he intends to continue it with full force. The fact that the Americans are meeting with Russia to restore the operational capacity of their Embassy in Moscow may prove useful for future negotiations.

At the same time, we are making every effort to further strengthen Ukraine. Ukraine can only pursue negotiations on the path to its own peace – and ultimately to Europe’s peace – from a position of strength. To this end, we Europeans are making our own proposals and making use of our negotiating leverage. The principle remains: “Europe United”.

The European Union has launched its sixteenth package of sanctions. Whether to close loopholes in existing measures, to add further companies to the sanctions list or to target Russia’s shadow fleet, we are hitting Russia where it hurts its war effort the most: its foreign currency revenues.

Furthermore, together we Europeans will forge ahead in providing additional military support. The EU is currently preparing a substantial new multi-billion-euro package for artillery, air defence, and drones. However, as the EU, we must not stop there. We will also need to further increase our bilateral support for Ukraine and take the necessary budgetary decisions – whether we like it or not.

No one but Putin unleashed or wanted this war in the heart of Europe. Yet no one in Europe must allow any doubts to creep in about us doing everything in our power right now to secure peace and stability in Europe and to safeguard the future of our children.