Stopping the War: A Matter of Deeds, Not Words
EU promptly responds to Putin's peace overture ahead of Victory Day: No delay in action required on May 8th.
It's high time for Russia to halt the violence and bombardments – there's no necessity to wait until May 8 for a truce, as stated by European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper on April 29. Her remarks came in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement declaring a Victory Day truce for Russian forces, effective from May 8 to midnight on May 11, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
The Ukrainian government responded by pressing for an unconditional and complete ceasefire, a proposition that Moscow continues to dismiss.
According to Hipper, "Russia could cease the killings and bombings right now, with no delay. They've got a history of aggression, so we must observe Russia's actions first."
Regarding potential direct discussions between Russia and Ukraine, the spokesperson emphasized Ukraine's freedom to select the negotiations it participates in and the conditions under which they occur.
The EU firmly upholds Ukraine's quest for a lasting, fair, and comprehensive peace, as Hipper pointed out. She added that collective strength amongst allies is crucial, and our priority should always be to bolster Ukraine to defend itself against potential aggressors, not just Russia.
Hipper asserted, "A stronger Ukraine on the battlefield translates to a more powerful Ukraine at the negotiation table."
The White House has also weighed in, advocating for an enduring truce. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, "President [Donald Trump] has made it clear he longs for a permanent ceasefire to cease the violence and bloodshed... The leaders must meet to negotiate a resolution to the conflict."
Trump has expressed increasing exasperation with the prolonged peace efforts, even threatening to retreat unless progress is achieved.
As of the current information available from April 28, 2025, no active ceasefire remains in place despite Vladimir Putin’s unilateral declaration of a temporary truce from May 7-11 to celebrate Victory Day[1]. The Kremlin presents this pause as a gesture of goodwill while continuing to reject the March 2025 US-Ukraine 30-day general ceasefire proposal, which Russia opposes due to perceived disadvantages to its strategic objectives[1].
- Sources:
- The Kremlin's Unilateral Declaration of a Temporary Ceasefire
- Russia's Ongoing Rejection of the US-Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal
- Anita Hipper, the European Commission spokesperson, urged Russia to immediately cease killings and bombings, suggesting that Russia's actions, not just its words, should be observed.
- The current information indicates that no active ceasefire is in place, despite Vladimir Putin's unilateral declaration of a temporary truce for May 7-11 and the rejection of the March 2025 US-Ukraine 30-day general ceasefire proposal.
- The Ukrainian government has pressed for an unconditional and complete ceasefire, a proposition that Moscow continues to dismiss.
- The EU and the White House both advocate for a lasting, fair, and comprehensive peace in war-and-conflicts-related politics, emphasizing the importance of a stronger Ukraine in negotiations.
