France's President Macron has announced that the United States will keep a watch on the ceasefire situation in Ukraine.
After a meeting with Macron, Merz, Tusk, Starmer, and Zelenskyy, USA President Trump has joined the effort to encourage Russia to commit to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting May 12. The coalition, dubbed the "Coalition of the Willing," will have the USA predominantly monitor the ceasefire, with the support of Europeans.
Emmanuel Macron made it clear that the 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war, demanded by Europe and Ukraine, will be largely overseen by the USA. Macron, Merz, Tusk, Starmer, and Zelenskyy held a press conference where they happily reported that the US President supports them.
Ukraine's leader Selenskyj expressed his optimism, stating, "We know that the United States of America stands with us. If Russia refuses a complete and unconditional ceasefire, sanctions should be imposed, strengthened, targeted specifically at the energy sector and the banking system."
Merz Emphasizes Strength in Numbers
Post-meeting, Merz shared his thoughts, stressing, "It must be clear: if Russia rejects this ceasefire, a ceasefire that can serve as the foundation for immediate negotiations, then we will continue to support Ukraine, and we will escalate the pressure on Russia."
Merz described this initiative as the "largest diplomatic effort in recent months, if not years, to bring an end to the war in Ukraine." He went on to say, "I return with the feeling that we may just have a small chance."
Tusk Voices Hope for Global Unity
Tusk remarked, "For the first time in a long while, we have the impression that the entire free world has united together." The idea of a 30-day ceasefire beginning May 12 and the prompt resumption of peace talks is being spearheaded jointly by Trump, Zelenskyy, and the group of countries backing Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom.
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Macron said, "We've discussed this with all the heads of state and government who have joined our 'Coalition of the Willing.'"
Russia Demands Arms Delivery Stoppage
Russia, however, has set conditions for the ceasefire, demanding that the USA and EU halt arms supplies to Ukraine before a 30-day ceasefire can take effect. "Otherwise, Ukraine will gain an advantage, using the ceasefire to continue mobilizing troops and arms," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to ABC News.
Peskov Stands firm on Sanctions
Peskov continued, "We've grown accustomed to sanctions, and are already thinking about how to mitigate their impact. Attempts to intimidate us with sanctions are pointless."
The ongoing conflict, with both sides regularly accusing each other of unwillingness to end hostilities, has resulted in a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russia to commemorate the end of World War II. Despite violations on both sides in the past two days, this ceasefire remains in effect until midnight CEST.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/dpa/AFP
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Keir Starmer
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Tusk
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
[1] ntv.de/Politik/Aktuell/artikel200389473/Macron-Merkel-Tusk-Starmer-Selenskyj-Trump.html
[2] dw.com/en/russia-freezes-fire-in-ukraine-to-mark-world-war-ii-anniversary/a-61045013
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the monitoring of the ceasefire in Ukraine, a task that comes as a result of the United States' predominant role in overseeing the truce.
- In a joint press conference, leaders Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, Donald Tusk, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed their optimism for the 30-day ceasefire, stating that if Russia refuses to commit, sanctions should be imposed, specifically targeting the energy sector and banking system.
- Germany's Friedrich Merz described the initiative, which includes support from the USA and Europe, as the largest diplomatic effort in recent years to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
- In response to the USA-led ceasefire proposal, Russia has set conditions, demanding that arms supplies to Ukraine be halted before the 30-day truce can take effect.
