Ukraine and its allies in Europe have asked Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agrees with a 30-day ceasefire, which may start on Monday (12).
The request came after the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland arrive in the capital Kiev on Saturday (10).
Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France President Emmanuel Macron and the UK’s first ministers Keir Strmer, and Poland, Donald Tusk, arrived together on Saturday morning (10) to Kiev’s main railway station.
Shortly thereafter, they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The meetings are a sign of a renewed diplomatic urgency aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine, which continues despite the US efforts to negotiate peace.
“There is a lot of work to be done and many questions to be discussed. This war must end with just peace. Moscow must be forced to agree with a ceasefire,” wrote Zelensky’s Office Chief Andriy Yermak on his Telegram channel.
Ukraine, supported by Europeans, has been asking for an immediate and unconditional truce of 30 days, something that US President Donald Trump also requires.
The European leaders in Kiev had a “small talk” with Trump on Saturday (10), which was “focused on peace negotiations,” said Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine Foreign Minister, in an X publication.
“Ukraine and all allies are ready for a total and unconditional ceasefire on land, air and sea for at least 30 days, starting on Monday,” Sybiha continued, adding that a “lasting truce” could pave the way for large-scale peace negotiations if Russia agrees.
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte, spoke in an X publication that participated in more than 20 world leaders on Saturday morning (10) in order to “advance efforts to ensure just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
“This begins with a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and should be sustained by continuous and concrete support,” Rutte added.
Joined more than 20 Leaders for the Coalition of the Willing Call This Morning to Advance Efforts to Ensure a Just and Lasting Peace For Ukraine
This starts with a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and must be underpinned by Continued, concrete support
IT’S CLEAR FROM OUR… https://t.co/8olppe8dng– Mark Rutte (@secgennato) May 10, 2025
So far, Russia has refused to commit to a 30 -day interruption, claiming to support the idea in principle, but insists that there is what it calls “nuances” that need to be approached first.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in an interview with ABC News on Saturday (10), suggested that one of these “nuances” would be the interruption of the supply of US and European weapons to Ukraine.
Putin has often talked about the need to address what he calls “deep causes” – which means, among other things, the expansion of NATO to the east.
In a publication on the Social Truth on Thursday (8), the US president wrote that “if the ceasefire is not respected, the US and partners will impose new sanctions,” increasing the sense of frustration with Russian hesitation.
Trump’s inauguration in January marked the beginning of a complete change in US diplomatic focus on war, with Ukraine and main allies fearing a significant inclination of American politics towards Moscow.
European leaders have summoned a series of meetings in response, aiming to show the US that Europe can do more to militarily support Ukraine, as well as to join the US President not to be on the side of Russia in the war.
“A fair and lasting peace begins with a total and unconditional ceasefire. This is the proposal we are presenting to the United States,” wrote French President Macron in the X account on Saturday morning (10).
BACK IN KYIV, My First Thoughts go to the Ukrainian People. For more than three Years, You have Stood with admirable corage.
For your land.
For your freedom.
For Europe.The Security of Our Continent is at stake here.…
– Emmanuel Macron (@emmanuelmacron) May 10, 2025
“Ukraine has accepted [a proposta de cessar-fogo] on March 11. Russia, however, advances, imposes previews, gains time and continues its invasion war. If Moscow continues to obstruct, we will increase the pressure – together, as Europeans and in close coordination with the United States. We greet President Trump’s appeal to advance in that direction, ”added Macron.
Later, still on Saturday morning (10), Ursula von der Leyen, chairman of the European Commission, said in an X post that “the ball is now on Russia’s side.”
“We are ready to maintain strong pressure on Russia and impose even more severe sanctions in case of ceasefire violation,” said von der Leyen. “Our goal is clear: just and lasting peace for Ukraine, vital to security and stability throughout our continent.”
Today, the coalition of the Willing Converted.
We Support the Proposal For Full and Unconditional 30-Day Ceasefire.
It must be implemented Without preconditions to pave the way for meaningful peace negotiaions.
The Ball is Now In Russia’s Court.
We stand ready to maintain…
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 10, 2025
This content was originally published in European leaders gather with Zelensky in Kiev and ask for ceasefire on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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