Ukraine Ceasefire Initiative Supported by Major European Powers
KYIV — Key European nations, along with President Donald Trump, have backed a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine without conditions, threatening President Vladimir Putin with severe new sanctions if he does not comply soon. This consensus was reached during a meeting in Kyiv, where leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine discussed the ceasefire’s start date of May 12.
Leaders’ Call for Action
“Together with the U.S., we are challenging Putin. If he truly wants peace, this is his opportunity to demonstrate it,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a press conference. He emphasized the need for immediate action, saying there should be “no more ifs and buts, no more conditions and delays.”
Kremlin’s Response
Following the European leaders’ announcement, the Kremlin dismissed it, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov commenting on the “contradictory statements” from Europe. He suggested that Russia might consider the ceasefire proposal but maintained that Moscow has its own viewpoint.
Implications of Sanctions
Western nations have escalated sanctions against Russia repeatedly since its invasion in 2022, but these measures have not yet brought an end to the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron noted that if the ceasefire is broken, there will be coordinated “massive sanctions” from both Europe and the U.S., indicating a closer alignment between the two regions.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
Zelenskyy stated that the leaders agreed to an unconditional ceasefire beginning Monday, affecting air, sea, and land operations. He warned that if Russia does not comply, it would face enhanced sanctions targeting its critical energy and banking sectors.
Peace Negotiations and Monitoring
The leaders released a joint statement highlighting that the primary purpose of the ceasefire is to facilitate diplomatic discussions. They welcomed both European and U.S. support for the initiative and asserted that any conditions from Russia would be seen as attempts to prolong the conflict.
Cautious Optimism Amid Ongoing Conflict
Despite the optimism surrounding the ceasefire, Zelenskyy remarked, “We have no illusions that the ceasefire will be breached.” The day before, the U.S. embassy in Kyiv warned of a potential significant air attack in the near future. Reports from the front lines indicate that hostilities have persisted, with injured soldiers arriving at field hospitals, revealing that the situation remains volatile.
