Ukraine after the war: The EU cannot afford to be ambiguous about its position

Monday, Dec 29, 2025

Zelensky’s peace talks highlight strategic ambiguity, forcing Europe to address Ukraine’s security needs and refugee integration beyond temporary aid.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent diplomatic meetings focused on a revised US-backed peace plan for Ukraine, highlighting strategic ambiguity as a major obstacle. While Ukrainian society is open to difficult compromises but rejects surrender, European security leaders warn that future conflict remains possible. This uncertainty is reflected in the situation of 4.4 million displaced Ukrainians under EU temporary protection until March 2027. The EU has recommended frameworks for return and reintegration, but without binding commitments, long-term solutions remain unclear. Internally displaced persons also face severe challenges regarding employment and property rights, suggesting that by 2026, Europe must move beyond emergency responses to address the lasting consequences of the war.


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