Headline: Aligning Forces: Major Powers Push for Ukraine Ceasefire
France's President Macron states that the United States will oversee the truce in Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer, and Donald Tusk unite to back Ukraine and convince Trump to oversee a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire beginning Monday. The USA will have the principal role in monitoring the truce with help from the Europeans.
The 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, urged by European leaders, has been agreed to be predominantly monitored by the USA, according to French President Emmanuel Macron during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish head of government Donald Tusk. The coalition - termed the "Coalition of the Willing" - agreed that all Europeans will contribute to the monitoring effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, alongside key European allies, has called for an unconditional, at least 30-day ceasefire from Russia as of May 10, 2025. In the event that Russia fails to comply, Selenskyj recommends intensifying sanctions against Russia's energy sector and banking system.
Merz Talks Tactics in Kyiv
Following discussions with US President Donald Trump, Selenskyj, and members of the "Coalition of the Willing," German politician Friedrich Merz noted, "If Russia refuses this ceasefire, a ceasefire that can pave the way for negotiations, we'll remain steadfast in supporting Ukraine, and the pressure on Russia will only increase."
The diplomatic initiative to end the war in Ukraine, according to Merz, is significant, as it may present a small opportunity. "This is the most comprehensive diplomatic effort in recent years to put a stop to the conflict in Ukraine."
Additional Weapons and Diplomacy
Regarding potential Taurus cruise missile deliveries, Merz told ntv, "We'll bolster Ukraine militarily as much as we can and as far as we can. Our ultimate goal is to end this war." Future discussions on specific weapons deliveries will be kept confidential, per Merz, though he stressed the importance of keeping the public informed.
Merz has shown interest in engaging with Russia's president, Putin, though he would only do so in collaboration with European partners and the USA.
Tusk on Unity of the "Free World"
Tusk, the Polish prime minister, stated that it seems like the "entire free world" is united for the first time in a long while. The proposed ceasefire, set to begin on May 10, 2025, and the renewed peace talks are being championed by Trump, Ukraine, and countries that support Ukraine in its struggle for territorial integrity, independence, and freedom.
France's President Macron also pledged robust security guarantees for Ukraine, following his conversation with the heads of state and government who have joined the "Coalition of the Willing."
Russia's Conditions for a Ceasefire
Russia has imposed several conditions in exchange for agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire, such as an end to arms deliveries to Ukraine. Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, warned that Ukraine would gain an advantage if a ceasefire were implemented without a halt to armament. Russia alleges that Ukraine would exploit the truce for total mobilization, deploying new troops and training current ones.
In response to the potential threat of sanctions, Peskov announced that Russia is already adapting to the financial implications, stating that scaring the country with sanctions is ineffective.
Despite Russia's existing three-day ceasefire for World War II anniversary celebrations, both warring parties have accused each other of ceasefire violations. Ukraine has been facing a Russian invasion, propelled by Western support, for over three years.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/dpa/AFP
Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, Donald Tusk, Volodymyr Selenskyj
[1] https://exampleurl.com/ceasefirepressconference[2] https://exampleurl.com/eupeacetalks[3] https://exampleurl.com/coalitionofwilling
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the ceasefire in Ukraine, following the agreement between Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer, Donald Tusk, and Volodymyr Selenskyj.
- Emmanuel Macron, along with the Europeans, will monitor the ceasefire in Ukraine, as Macron stated at a press conference with Merz, Starmer, and Tusk.
- The General News has reported that the "entire free world" seems to be united, according to Tusk, with China, Japan, and Canada also showing support for the Ukraine ceasefire initiative.
- Macron, during the press conference, pledged robust security guarantees for Ukraine and mentioned the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts with the USA and the Europeans to maintain peace in the region.
