"United We Stand" - Macron: US to Monitor Ukraine Truce
France's President Emmanuel Macron indicates US involvement in monitoring the ceasefire in Ukraine.
Get the latest scoop on the Ukraine conflict as top leaders rally for a ceasefire. France's Macron, Germany's Merz, Britain's Starmer, and Poland's Tusk, backed by President Trump, aim to pressure Russia into a 30-day truce starting Monday. The truce will be primarily monitored by the United States, with support from Europeans.
At a press conference with Chancellor Merz and heads of government Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk, President Macron declared that the United States will take the lead in monitoring the 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war, demanded by Europeans. All parties agreed that Europeans would contribute, albeit the task will be "fundamentally" overseen by the United States.
Ukrainian President Zelensky and significant European allies hope for an unconditional, at least 30-day ceasefire from Russia beginning Monday. Zelensky shared that the United States supports their efforts. Should Russia refuse, sanctions should follow, reinforced against the energy sector and banking system.
Leaders Band Together
Before the ceasefire initiative, discussions with US President Trump were held. Zelensky's chief of staff Andrij Jermak shared a photo of the group, calling the conversation "historic moments."
After the meeting, Merz stated, "It must be clear: If Russia refuses this ceasefire, a ceasefire that can be the basis for immediate negotiations, then we will continue to defend Ukraine, and we will increase the pressure on Russia."
The CDU politician expressed that this is the largest diplomatic initiative in recent months, if not years, to end the war in Ukraine. He returned with a sense of "perhaps a small chance."
The Coalition
Regarding the potential delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Merz told ntv: "We support Ukraine militarily as far as we can and as far as we can responsibly. And we do it to end this war." To maintain confidentiality, future discussions about specific weapons deliveries will no longer be aired publicly.
In coordination with European partners and the United States, Merz is open to a conversation with Putin. "That's an option, of course."
United Front
His Polish counterpart Tusk commented, "For the first time in a long time, we have the feeling that the entire free world is truly united." The idea of a ceasefire commencing Monday and immediate resumption of talks is shared by US President Trump, Ukraine, and the entire coalition of countries supporting Ukraine in its struggle for territorial integrity, independence, and freedom, as explained by Tusk.
France's President Macron also provided robust security guarantees for Ukraine. "We just discussed this with all the heads of state and government who have joined our 'Coalition of the Willing,'" Macron shared.
Negotiations Stalemate
Still, tensions remain before the call in Kyiv, as the Kremlin demands an end to arms deliveries to Kyiv as a prerequisite for a 30-day ceasefire. Russia argues this would give Ukraine an unfair advantage during any truce. Both parties continually accuse each other of not genuinely wanting an end to hostilities.
Russia remains unfazed by sanctions threats, as Peskov told state television, "Trying to scare us with sanctions is futile."
The EU and USA have already imposed numerous sanctions on Russia, with mixed results in thwarting its invasion of Ukraine. Despite economic challenges and lack of access to western technology, Russia's oil and gas sales allow it to sustain its war economy.
A recent three-day ceasefire declared by Russia unilaterally for Victory Day celebrations remains in effect until midnight (23:00 CET). Repeat violations of the ceasefire by both sides point to ongoing tensions and mistrust.
Source: ntv.de, toh/dpa/AFP
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Keir Starmer
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Tusk
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- The Commission, consisting of Keith Starmer, Friedrich Merz, Donald Tusk, and Volodymyr Zelensky, have been tasked with submitting a proposal for a regulation on the monitored ceasefire in Ukraine, as part of the joint efforts to end the war-and-conflicts in the region.
- During the ceasefire negotiations, Russia has been asked to adhere to the agreement for a 30-day truce, particularly in the general news sector, with the understanding that the truce will be primarily monitored by the United States, and supported by Europeans.
- Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, in a statement, emphasized that if Russia fails to uphold the ceasefire agreement, there should be increased pressure on Russia, including sanctions against its energy sector and banking system.
- In his remarks following the negotiations, Friedrich Merz expressed his belief that the diplomatic initiative to end the Ukraine war, aided by the United States and European partners, represents one of the largest such efforts in recent years, providing perhaps a small chance for a resolution.
