"Germany and allies aim for 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine"
A truce in the imminent future could be achievable, according to Merz's perspective.
In a surprising turn of events during his Brussels visit, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hopeful that a longer ceasefire in Ukraine could be agreed upon within the next few days. The optimistic Chancellor stated, "I anticipate an agreement this weekend for a ceasefire in Ukraine."
Merz cautioned Russia, stating that more sanctions would be imposed if peace negotiations do not materialize. He expressed that there's a "big chance" for the current three-day ceasefire to be extended to 30 days and for peace negotiations to start, as talks around a peace treaty could also commence.
This optimistic stance follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's unilateral declaration of a three-day ceasefire, effective from midnight on Wednesday, for the World War II commemorations in Moscow. Despite Ukraine's refusal to agree to the ceasefire and demands for a 30-day ceasefire, a US proposal also calls for the same duration.
Furthermore, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk are in support of this proposal, according to Merz. "We have written a joint communique that is largely identical to the US proposal," Merz explained. "We very much hope that it will also be accepted on the Russian side," he added, with the final say lying in Putin's hands.
In other developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a meeting of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv on Saturday. The leaders of this coalition, consisting of around 30 states led by France and Britain, including Germany, are expected to attend. Although specific details regarding attendees have not been disclosed, the purpose of the meeting is to discuss plans to support Ukraine after a potential ceasefire.
Meanwhile, concerns about being sidelined in peace efforts are on the rise among European leaders, as U.S. President Donald Trump focuses on sanctions and peace talks with Russia. Washington has not officially joined the "Coalition of the Willing," leaving room for confusion about the allies' roles in the peace process.
\ Friedrich Merz* Volodymyr Zelensky* Ukraine* Donald Trump* Russia*
*The European Union, along with Germany, is committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive approach to the fight against war-and-conflicts, specifically the one in Ukraine.* German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hopeful that a longer ceasefire in Ukraine could be agreed upon, with a possibility of it being extended to 30 days.* In a joint communique, Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have proposed a 30-day ceasefire, identical to the US proposal.* Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's announcements of a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv on Saturday, concerns about being sidelined in peace efforts persist among European leaders, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's focus on sanctions and peace talks with Russia.
