In light of the United States’ unsuccessful attempts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine-which enters its fifth year this month-members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are calling for a distinct European initiative.
Former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich urges that Europe take on its own role in talks between Moscow and Kyiv, noting in an interview with “Spiegel” that the U.S. government’s plans for Ukraine’s future should have already made it clear that a European voice is indispensable when discussing a cease‑fire or peace settlement.
Mützenich criticizes the image of European leaders-including German EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen-who gathered in August “like supplicants at Donald Trump’s desk”. He insists that this sort of submission should not recur.
Europe now bears the bulk of the financial burden supporting Ukraine’s military and civilian assistance. “The need for a European role in any forthcoming post‑war settlement is therefore stronger than ever” he said. “Part of that role is appointing a European negotiator”. Mützenich added that Europe should have pursued this path much earlier, stressing that doing so would not diminish its responsibility for Ukraine’s struggle for survival.
