European Leaders Urge Russia for a 30-Day Ceasefire

European Leaders Urge Russia for a 30-Day Ceasefire:

In a recent meeting in Kyiv, European leaders have pressed Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire as a step towards ending the three-year war. The Kremlin has indicated it will consider this proposal, although it maintains its own positions. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland on Saturday.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk later joined them for discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a joint press conference, the leaders announced their demand for a ceasefire, warning of "massive sanctions" against Moscow if it does not comply. They are part of a "coalition of the willing," which consists of over 30 nations committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The proposed ceasefire, set to begin on Monday, would involve a complete halt to combat on land, at sea, and in the air.

The European leaders threatened to escalate sanctions targeting key sectors like energy and banking if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to agree. Macron suggested that foreign troops could be deployed for added assurance, with the United States assuming a leadership role in monitoring the ceasefire, supported by European allies. Starmer emphasized that "only one country initiated this illegal conflict—Russia and Putin—and only one country obstructs its peaceful resolution, and that is Russia and Putin." In response, the Kremlin accused the visiting European leaders of making confrontational comments in Kyiv.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, "We hear many contradictory statements from Europe, which are more confrontational than aimed at improving relations. Nothing more to say." Later that day, TASS reported that Russia is considering the ceasefire proposal but maintains its own stance. U.S. President Donald Trump has also suggested a 30-day unconditional ceasefire to help resolve the conflict, though Putin has yet to agree. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine and its allies are prepared for a "full, unconditional ceasefire" beginning Monday. Symbolic Yet Practical: This marks the first joint visit to Ukraine by leaders of the four European nations. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, stated, "There is much to accomplish and many issues to discuss. We must bring this war to an end with a just peace, compelling Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.

" The appearance of united European leadership comes more than three years into Russia's invasion, occurring just after Putin's defiant speech at a Moscow parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's victory. Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi reported that the leaders' visit held symbolic importance, with practical meetings taking place to ensure the U.S. remains engaged in future negotiations. Following their discussions, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry revealed that the five leaders spoke on the phone with Trump to review their peace initiatives. Sybiha remarked, "If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is established, a lasting ceasefire and trust-building measures could pave the way for peace talks." After the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Kyiv, the leaders communicated via Twitter about their productive call with President Trump, highlighting readiness for an unconditional ceasefire.
"Just and Lasting Peace": In a statement prior to their visit, the leaders, together with the U.S., urged Russia to accept a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to facilitate discussions for a just and lasting peace. They expressed their readiness to support peace negotiations promptly and to prepare for a comprehensive peace agreement. The statement declared, "The bloodshed must end, Russia must halt its illegal invasion, and Ukraine should thrive as a safe, secure, and sovereign nation within its internationally recognized borders for future generations." They committed to reinforcing their support for Ukraine, stating, "Until Russia consents to a sustainable ceasefire, we will escalate pressure on Russia's military operations." Peskov commented in an interview that weapon deliveries from Ukraine's partners must cease for Russia to consider a ceasefire, warning that any truce would benefit Ukraine while Russian forces make confident advances on the front lines. As Russia continues to control about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, the Kremlin has not yet responded to calls for a permanent ceasefire. Trump has indicated that Ukraine may need to contemplate ceding territories, such as the annexed Crimean Peninsula, while expressing frustration over Russia's ongoing refusal to cease hostilities.
Al Jazeera