USA Takes the Lead in Monitoring Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal
France's President Macron announces that the U.S. intends to keep a watchful eye on the truce in Ukraine.
It's a united front as leaders like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and British Labor Leader Keir Starmer rally behind Ukraine's cause. They've got Donald Trump on their side too, aiming to force Russia into a ceasefire starting beginning Monday.
In a press conference, Macron confirmed that the USA will take the reins in monitoring this ceasefire, with support from European allies[1][2]. However, he underlined that all Europeans would contribute to this endeavor.
Ukraine, along with key European allies, has demanded a 30-day ceasefire from Russia. As President Zelenskyy stated, the U.S. is backing their stand. If Russia declines an unconditional and 30-day ceasefire, they should face strengthened sanctions—especially in the energy and banking sectors.
Politics: A Historic Coalition Forms
In a significant phone conversation with Donald Trump, Zelenskyy, and coalition members reportedly discussed the ceasefire initiative[1]. Their spirits were high, as Zelenskyy's chief of staff Andrij Jermak noted in his post featuring a group photo from the call, calling it "historic moments."
Merz: "A Small Chance" of Peace
Following the meeting, Merz expressed hope, saying, "If Russia refuses this ceasefire, if it fails to lay the groundwork for immediate negotiations, we will continue to support Ukraine, and we'll increase pressure on Russia." Merz also referred to the ceasefire initiative as the "largest diplomatic move in recent months, if not years, aimed at ending the war in Ukraine."
Regarding potential Taurus cruise missile deliveries to Ukraine, Merz mentioned that Germany is arming Ukraine militarily to the extent possible while striving to bring an end to the conflict[1]. Future discussions about specific weapons deliveries will no longer be conducted publicly[1].
Merz remains open to a phone call with Putin, provided it takes place in collaboration with European partners and the United States, ensuring transparency and unity[1].
Tusk: "United Front of the Free World"
Tusk declared that for the first time in a long while, it seems the entire free world stands as one in support of Ukraine[1]. The coalition of countries backing Ukraine is now working hand-in-hand with Donald Trump to start a ceasefire on Monday, laying the groundwork for peace talks[1].
France's President Macron also offered security guarantees for Ukraine[1].
Russia's Conditions for a Ceasefire
Russia has set certain conditions for the 30-day ceasefire, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. He stated that arms deliveries to Kyiv by the U.S. and EU must cease as a precondition for the ceasefire[1]. This step, Peskov believes, would prevent Ukraine from gaining an "undue advantage."
Moscow Unfazed by Threats of Sanctions
Despite the potential for increased sanctions, Russia remains unfazed, claiming to have acclimatized to the existing penalties[1]. According to Peskov, Russia is already thinking about ways to minimize the impact of additional sanctions[1].
The War's Continuation
Despite the ongoing conflict, occasional ceasefires, and international pressure, the war in Ukraine has been ongoing for more than three years[1]. Both sides have accused one another of violating previously declared ceasefires.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/dpa/AFP
Related Terms:
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Keir Starmer
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Tusk
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Donald Trump
- Ceasefire
- Sanctions
- Taurus cruise missiles
- The Commission, led by Emmanuel Macron, has been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the ceasefire in Ukraine.
- European leaders like Friedrich Merz, Donald Tusk, and Keir Starmer are united in their support for Ukraine's cause, and have joined forces with French President Macron and US President Donald Trump to pressure Russia into a ceasefire.
- In a historic movement, a coalition comprising leaders from the US, Ukraine, and several European countries, including Merz and Tusk, is collaborating to monitor the ceasefire and initiate peace talks.
- As the war in Ukraine persists for more than three years, Russia has set certain conditions for the 30-day ceasefire, one of which is a suspension of arms deliveries from the US and EU to avoid giving Ukraine an undue advantage.
