European Leaders Urge Russia for a Conditional Ceasefire to Foster Peace in Ukraine
In a powerful display of unity, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met in Kyiv, calling for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This renewed effort aims to bolster support for Ukraine, which is facing Russia's aggressive and illegal full-scale invasion.
In a statement released on the British government’s website ahead of their discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 10, the leaders reiterated their commitment to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a ceasefire agreement. They urged Russia to cease its obstruction of diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace in the region.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha publicly expressed Kyiv's readiness to implement a full, unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and at sea beginning May 12, contingent on Russia's agreement and effective monitoring mechanisms. Sybiha emphasized that such a ceasefire could serve as a foundation for peace negotiations, urging the leaders to facilitate technical discussions on the implementation of the ceasefire and the preparation of a comprehensive peace agreement.
"We are clear: the bloodshed must end," the leaders asserted, emphasizing the necessity for Russia to halt its illegal invasion. They highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and its ability to prosper within its internationally recognized borders.
The European leaders were in Kyiv for a 'coalition of the willing' summit, which was previously announced by President Zelenskyy. This coalition consists of countries such as Great Britain, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Ukraine, all committed to providing ongoing military and political support to Ukraine.
On May 8, during a call with Zelenskyy, President Trump reiterated his call for an unconditional ceasefire, warning of impending sanctions against Russia should an agreement fail to materialize.
Previously, Russia had declared a brief three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with Victory Day commemorations. However, both sides accused each other of continuing hostilities during this period, with Zelenskyy dismissing Putin’s ceasefire proposal as merely theatrical. Ukraine is adamant that a 30-day truce is a prerequisite for engaging in serious peace talks.
In response to ongoing calls for negotiations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that President Putin rejects any extended ceasefire unless Ukraine's Western allies cease their military support, further complicating the peace dialogue.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that any ceasefire must come without preconditions and cautioned that Moscow would face tougher sanctions should it violate any agreement reached.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that could finally put an end to the suffering endured by the people of Ukraine.
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