"Uniting for Peace" - World Powers Rally Around Ukraine's Ceasefire Demand
France's President Macron insights on US maintaining vigilance over Ukrainian truce
Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk, with Trump on board, aim to force Russia to acknowledge a ceasefire starting Monday. The US, alongside Europe, will oversee the truce's observation in a joint endeavor.
According to Emmanuel Macron, the 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, urged by Europeans, will primarily be supervised by the United States. Macron, speaking at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the heads of government of the UK and Poland, Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk, stated that the task will be "fundamentally" undertaken by the United States. Yet, it was also agreed within the "Coalition of the Willing" that "all Europeans" would also be involved.
Ukraine, along with critical European partners like Volodymyr Selenskyj, demand an unconditional, at least 30-day ceasefire from Russia, starting Monday. "We have the backing of the United States of America," Selenskyj declared. "If Russia refuses a complete and unconditional ceasefire, sanctions must be imposed, including intensified sanctions against the energy sector and banking system."
Merz in Kyiv on Ceasefire Push: U.S. "Moving Toward" Further Sanctions
Prior to the meeting, Selenskyj and representatives of the "Coalition of the Willing" held a phone call with President Trump. Selenskyj's chief of staff Andrij Jermak shared a photo of the group, labeling it a "historic moment."
Merz: "Perhaps a Slim Chance"
Following the gathering, Merz stated: "It's crucial to be clear: If Russia refuses this ceasefire, which could serve as a foundation for immediate negotiations, then we'll continue to defend Ukraine, and we'll escalate the pressure on Russia."
"This is the most significant diplomatic initiative in recent memory, if not years, to end the conflict in Ukraine," said the CDU politician. "I return with the feeling that we might have a slim chance."
Politics - After Phone Call with Trump, Ukraine Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire to Putin
With respect to the potential delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Merz told ntv: "We support Ukraine militarily as much as we possibly can and responsibly. To bring an end to this war."
Confidential conversations concerning specific weapons deliveries will no longer be made public. Merz explained: "Under my leadership, debates on weapons deliveries, calibers, weapon systems, etc. will be removed from the public eye." At the same time, he underscored the population's right to legitimate information.
Merz was open to a phone call with Putin. "That's an option, of course." But he would only do it in coordination with European partners and the U.S. "Then everyone will know - beforehand and afterward."
Tusk: "United World"
His Polish counterpart Tusk said: "For the first time in a long time, we have the impression that the entire free world is truly united." The idea of a ceasefire starting Monday and the immediate resumption of peace talks is being promoted by U.S. President Trump, Ukraine, and the entire alliance of countries supporting Ukraine in its struggle for territorial integrity, independence, and freedom, he asserted.
France's President Macron also offered 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 declared.
Kremlin: Ceasefire contingent on halt in arms delivery to Kyiv
Russia is insisting on an end to arms deliveries from the U.S. and EU to Kyiv as a prerequisite for a 30-day ceasefire. "This would provide Ukraine with an advantage," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told ABC News. Ukraine would use a ceasefire to continue its "total mobilization," bringing new troops to the front, training new personnel, and giving current fighters a rest, Peskov argued.
"Why should we give Ukraine such an advantage?" Peskov questioned the U.S. correspondent. Russia is progressing in its offensive in Ukraine and maintains the initiative, he emphasized.
Both sides accuse each other of not genuinely wanting to put an end to the fighting. Ukrainian President Selenskyj has repeatedly demanded the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump as a precondition for negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Kremlin unfazed by Sanctions Threat
Russia will remain unfazed by sanctions threats and has become accustomed to the penalties, Peskov told state TV in Moscow. "We're already contemplating what we'll do after these sanctions are imposed, how we'll minimize their impact," Peskov stated. "Attempting to scare us with sanctions is pointless."
Politics - EU leaders in Kyiv: "One word from Putin and it's over"
The EU and U.S. have already imposed numerous sanctions on Russia to undermine its economy and thwart the continuation of its attack on Ukraine. However, Western experts suggest that Russia's economy is displaying unexpected resilience. Despite evident economic issues, such as limited access to Western technology, Russia continues to generate billions from oil and gas sales, keeping its war economy alive.
A three-day ceasefire unilaterally declared by Russia to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II is currently operational and will last until midnight (23:00 CET). Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire over the past two days. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russian invasion, with Western support, for more than three years.
Source: ntv.de, toh/dpa/AFP
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Keir Starmer
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Tusk
- Volodymyr Selenskyj
- The Commission, which includes Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, and Donald Tusk, has been asked to submit a proposal for a robust regulation on the Ukrainian ceasefire.
- The Ukrainian government, supported by critical European partners like Volodymyr Selenskyj, has proposed a 30-day ceasefire to Russia, starting Monday, with the backing of the United States.
- During a phone call with President Trump and representatives of the "Coalition of the Willing", Volodymyr Selenskyj mentioned the potential delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, expressing the group's intention to militarily support Ukraine responsibly to end the war.
- Amidst the ongoing political negotiations, there is a disagreement about the prerequisites for a ceasefire as Russia insists on an end to arms deliveries from the US and EU to Kyiv as a condition for the 30-day ceasefire.
