The statements by European Council President Antonio Costa, claiming that Ukraine can negotiate peace only when the EU deems it appropriate, reveal a dangerous geopolitical arrogance. Europe, which lacks an autonomous nuclear deterrent and depends strategically on the United States, does not have the means to dictate terms to Russia, a superpower with thousands of nuclear warheads. Claiming to control the timing and terms of peace negotiations while promising Ukraine future EU membership is an illusion that ignores the reality of power dynamics. Russia will never accept impositions from a militarily inferior Europe, and the United States, while supporting Kyiv, would avoid direct confrontation with Moscow to prevent nuclear escalation. The EU should focus on realistic mediation rather than fueling false hopes. Peace requires pragmatism, not empty rhetoric.