Ukraine Ceasefire: Merz Hopes for 30-Day Truce within Days 🌐🇰🇭🇩🇪🇷🇺
A truce may be imminent in the ensuing days, according to Merz's perspective.
The political landscape in Ukraine is shifting as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expresses optimism about a 30-day ceasefire agreement in the near future. According to Merz, this weekend could bring about a significant breakthrough.
During his recent visit to Brussels, Merz shared his sentiment that a 30-day ceasefire seems feasible. However, he issued a stern warning: if Russia's President Putin refuses to talk peace, more sanctions will be on the table.
Merz's optimistic outlook stems from the fact that Europe and the U.S. share the same vision, and now it's time for Putin to step up. If Moscow plays ball, negotiations for a lasting peace treaty might kick off.
Russia initially declared a three-day ceasefire, which started on Wednesday night. Regrettably, Ukraine hasn't agreed to this ceasefire, instead pushing for a 30-day truce. Both Ukraine and the U.S. have voiced their support for the latter. The process faces hurdles since Putin has yet to greenlight it.
Merz explained to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola that a joint communiqué has been drafted, mirroring the U.S. proposal. He expressed high hopes that Russia will accept this communiqué too, emphasizing that the ball is squarely in Putin's court.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is rallying the so-called "Coalition of the Willing." On Saturday, he's inviting leaders from this group to a meeting in Kyiv. The aim is to secure a collective agreement on ensuring Ukraine's security. As for who will attend, Zelensky's been tight-lipped.
The "Coalition of the Willing" is supported by major players like France, Britain, Germany, and Poland. This group has been lending Ukraine a helping hand since it first faced Russian invasion over three years ago. Despite the U.S. not joining this alliance, they've continued to apply pressure on both Russia and Ukraine to agree on a ceasefire.
To put it briefly:
- Merz sees promise in a 30-day ceasefire and hopes it'll be in place by the weekend.
- If Putin is unwilling to engage in peace talks, further sanctions could be on the horizon.
- The U.S., Europe, and Ukraine all support a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has yet to agree.
- Zelensky is planning to meet with leaders of the "Coalition of the Willing" on Saturday.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/AFP \**Key People:** Friedrich Merz, Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian officials, "Coalition of the Willing"
Enrichment Data Sparingly Added (15%): The White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump has been actively pushing for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and has warned of more sanctions if violations occur[1][3][4]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a willingness to hold talks in any format once a full ceasefire is in place. While the "Coalition of the Willing" does not have a clearly defined role in the current talks, President Trump is ready to be involved personally if needed to facilitate peace[3].
- Friedrich Merz anticipates a 30-day ceasefire within the near future and hopes it will be agreed upon by the weekend.
- If President Putin of Russia refuses to engage in peace talks, more sanctions could be imposed.
- Europe, the U.S., and Ukraine support a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has yet to officially agree.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with leaders of the "Coalition of the Willing" on Saturday in an effort to secure a collective agreement on ensuring Ukraine's security.
[1] ntv.de[3] toh/AFP[4] The White House confirmation of U.S. President Donald Trump's push for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and his warning of more sanctions if violations occur.
