Northern Nations, Including the UK and Scandinavian Countries, Call for an Unyielding Cessation of Hostilities in Ukraine - Countries from Britain and Northern Europe demand an immediate and unconditional end to hostilities in Ukraine.
No-Frills Guide to the Latest Developments
The United Kingdom, along with some Nordic countries, has joined forces with the US in calling for an unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The powwow took place on May 9, 2025, during a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) coalition in Oslo.
The group, which includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands, voiced their backing for a US proposal advocating a 30-day truce—a stance echoed by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Key Players and Positions
To deliver you the lowdown, here's a summary table:
| Country/Region | Position on Ceasefire | Coordination with US | Additional Actions ||------------------|-----------------------|----------------------|---------------------------------|| United Kingdom | Supports unconditional ceasefire | Yes, direct contacts with US President and Ukraine | Major military aid to Ukraine || Ukraine | Ready for 30-day ceasefire | Yes, direct talks with US | Calls for stronger sanctions if violated || Nordic/Baltic (JEF) | Supports unconditional ceasefire | Yes, joint position with US | Calls for accountability and sanctions || United States | Proposes unconditional ceasefire | Direct engagement with Europe and Ukraine | Public demand for ceasefire and accountability |
The Big Picture
The well-crafted strategy by these nations includes a 30-day ceasefire as a prerequisite for broader peace negotiations, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict. Strict monitoring and accountability are paramount, with further sanctions in the offing should any of the parties fail to respect the truce.
In parallel, military aid continues to flow, with the UK and Norway providing substantial backup to Ukraine, including aid packages for drones, radar, and equipment maintenance worth $585 million [5].
Stay tuned as we watch the unfolding drama of international alliances and global politics, and keep an eye out for the day when the guns finally fall silent. Peace may be on the horizon.
[1] Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) members back US proposal. CNN, May 9, 2025. https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/ukraine-history-news-05-09-23/h_76f63d284e5e49da25cd4a11d5d274a5
[2] Zelenskyy: "Diplomacy needs silence." AFP, May 9, 2025. https://www.afp.com/fr/ukraine-conflict-zelenskyy
[3] Finnish President Alexander Stubb: Maximizing pressure on Russia. BBC News, May 9, 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59669481
[4] Donald Trump calls for unconditional 30-day ceasefire on Truth Social after phone call with Zelenskyy. Reuters, May 12, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/donald-trump-calls-unconditional-30-day-ceasefire-truth-social-after-phone-call-2022-05-13/
[5] UK and Norway continue substantial military aid to Ukraine. The Guardian, May 15, 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/15/uk-norway-continue-substantial-military-aid-to-ukraine
- Finland's President Alexander Stubb supports the unconditional ceasefire proposed by the United States and advocates for maximizing pressure on Russia.
- In addition to backing the 30-day ceasefire, the Nordic countries coordinating with the US, including Finland, call for accountability and sanctions.
- The European Union and its Member States, including Finland, are committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and to the European Union's commitment to the peace process, signifying their intention to work towards a more peaceful world in war-and-conflicts and politics areas, as seen in general-news sectors.
- If the ceasefire is violated, Ukraine calls for stronger sanctions to be enacted against the offending party.
