French President Emphasizes Need for Military Presence in Ukraine: "It's Vital to Have Soldiers in Ukraine"
France is mulling over partnering with allies for supporting Ukraine in its battle against Russia with soldiers. President Emmanuel Macron shared this in an interview with "Le Parisien", stating, "The crucial thing is to have soldiers in Ukraine." Chiefs of staff from Britain, France, and Ukraine have already held discussions on the matter. "Progress is being made," Macron revealed, without providing additional details.
Refusal of Demilitarized Zone Proposal by Zelensky
In a collaborative press conference with Macron, Starmer, Merz, and Tusk in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the idea of establishing a demilitarized zone during the war with Russia. Contradicting the statements of the US special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, Zelensky said that, per "European Pravda", Ukraine has not proposed the creation of such a zone. Zelensky explains that the idea of a demilitarized zone could pose a threat to Ukraine's control over essential cities, such as Kherson, Kharkiv, and Sumy. Therefore, it's premature to discuss this proposal at the moment, Zelensky stated, adding, "The idea is currently dead."
Honor and Commemoration in Kyiv
In their visit to the Ukrainian capital, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky jointly paid tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at the "Wall of Remembrance" in Kyiv. Macron and Starmer praised the heroism and bravery of the Ukrainians who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Controversial Russia Contacts Defended by Mützenich
Former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has defended the questionable Russia contacts of leading Social Democrats in Germany. He considered such talks, like the recent meeting between SPD politician Rolf Stegner and Russian allies in Baku, Azerbaijan, to be a necessary step in the past. They could help prepare for possible future formal talks, Mützenich told Deutschlandfunk. SPD politician Michael Roth, however, referred to the meeting in Baku as a "misguided meeting at the wrong time in the wrong place." Mützenich rejects calls for expelling Stegner from the Parliamentary Control Panel of the Bundestag, calling him an honest politician capable of separating different tasks. Mützenich also highlighted the importance of exploring potential paths for achieving a peaceful resolution to the military violence.
Jan van Aken Praises Visit of Merz, Starmer, and Macron to Ukraine
Left Party leader Jan van Aken praised the visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macro to Ukraine. "It's good that Friedrich Merz went to Kyiv," van Aken told RND, adding, "Perhaps Europe can prevent the US from imposing a dictated peace on Ukraine." Van Aken recommends that the three leaders should go to Beijing next, commenting that the key to brining Putin to the negotiation table lies there.
Merz Highlights Unity Among Germany, France, Britain, and Poland in Demanding Ceasefire in Ukraine
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the unity among Germany, France, Britain, and Poland in their demand for a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war during his visit to Kyiv. "This is the greatest diplomatic initiative we've seen in months, if not years, to end the war in Ukraine," Merz said, while stressing that Germany and its partners are seeking an unconditional ceasefire. The Ukraine is also not imposing any conditions.
Kremlin to Consider Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine
The Kremlin is considering a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. According to Russian state media, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin is willing to "think about" the demand presented by Kyiv's Western allies. Peskov, speaking on the US television network CNN, mentioned that this represents a "new development" but added that it would be "pointless" to pressure Moscow.
Western States and US Urge Russia to Stop Violating Ceasefire Truce
Ukrainian President Zelensky has complained of massive violations of a unilateral ceasefire declared by Russia just before its expiration. "Attacks on the front line continue," Zelensky said during a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv. Russia has not ceased its attacks on Ukrainian positions and border communities from the air, according to Zelensky, who summarized, "If Moscow doesn't want to kill, then they can stop." Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense reaffirmed its intention to observe the ceasefire in effect until Saturday. However, the conflicting claims of both warring parties cannot be independently verified.
Confrontational Tactics Accused by Kremlin
After a call for a 30-day ceasefire, the Kremlin accused Europeans of a confrontational stance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow stated in Moscow, "There are contradictory statements from Europe, which are generally more oriented towards confrontation than towards attempts to revive our relations in one way or another." The spokesman for President Vladimir Putin did not directly address the Europeans' demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
Derogatory Language Used Against Leaders by Medvedev
In Moscow, the Ukrainian demand for a 30-day ceasefire has been met with rejection. "You can shove your peace plans up your ass," wrote Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, on X in English. He expressed his frustration about the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv, which included Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Possible Consequences for Ukraine if Russia Refuses Ceasefire by Monday
President Zelensky has announced sanctions if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire by Monday, following conversations with German leader Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Merz Open to Phone Call with Putin
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is open to a phone call with Putin, provided it happens with European partners and the US present. Merz told ntv that Putin must understand that he cannot win the Ukraine war militarily. "We're getting closer to that point."
Hopeful Outlook for End of Ukraine War from Merz
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has a cautiously optimistic view that an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is achievable. "This war must stop. And I believe there's a small chance. But there is this chance," Merz said in a ARD "Tagesthemen" interview conducted from Kyiv. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin must recognize that continuing the war is futile. A further sanctions package is already being prepared in the EU.
Macron: US to Monitor Ukraine Ceasefire with European Support
The 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war, demanded by Europeans, will be mainly monitored by the USA, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. This task will be "fundamentally" undertaken by the United States. However, "all Europeans" will also contribute, Macron said at a press conference in Kyiv with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the heads of government of Britain and Poland, Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk. He also threatened Russia with "massive sanctions" from Europe and the USA if it violates the planned ceasefire.
Merz Emphasizes Close Coordination on Arms Deliveries
During his visit to Kyiv, Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged continued military support for Ukraine, emphasizing close coordination with European partners and the USA. Regarding the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Merz told ntv, "We support Ukraine militarily to the extent that we can and are responsible for. And we do it to end this war." In the future, discussions on specific arms deliveries will no longer be conducted publicly. Merz explained, "Under my leadership, the debate on arms deliveries, calibers, weapons systems, etc., will be taken out of the public eye." He also emphasized the legitimate information interest of the population. Decisions on the type and scope of military aid will continue to be made in the cabinet and in close coordination with international partners, Merz added.
Russia Maintains Flexibility on Potential Ceasefire
Russia is keeping its options open following the demand by European states and the US for a 30-day ceasefire. The Russian leadership will consider the matter but will also maintain its own position, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, as reported by the state news agency Tass.
German Government Announces Stop to Publication of Weapon Deliveries to Ukraine
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that the new German government will halt the publication of military aid to Ukraine, which began in June 2022. "Under my leadership, the debate on weapons deliveries, calibers, weapons systems, and so on, will be taken out of the public eye," the CDU chairman told ntv in Kyiv. Merz is following up on a report from Friday. He stressed that the commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian attack remains unchanged. He did not comment on whether the new government would supply Taurus cruise missiles.
Politics
- Controversial Russia Contacts
- Strategic Ambiguity
- Divergent Statements from Moscow
Conflict
- Ukraine
- War Crimes
- Russia
- Ceasefire
- Ukraine War
- Cyber War
- Military Deployments
- Weapons Deliveries
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The European Union, including France, is exerting pressure on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war. In conjunction with the US, European states are prepared to impose further harsh sanctions if Russia violates this proposed truce. While Germany, France, the UK, and Poland strengthen their support for Ukraine, they aim for closer coordination with the US. However, discussions on specific arms deliveries, such as Taurus cruise missiles, will be kept confidential under the new German government. In addition, it seems that France is contemplating the deployment of soldiers to support Ukraine in a more indirect capacity, as Macron expresses the importance of having soldiers in Ukraine as a resolution tool. Incidentally, attempts by some members of the SPD to pursue contacts with Russia have sparked controversy in Germany.
- French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at potential French involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, stating that the presence of soldiers could be crucial in resolving the dispute between Ukraine and Russia.
- Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea of establishing a demilitarized zone during the war with Russia, stating that it could pose a threat to Ukraine's control over essential cities.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of keeping conversations about weapon deliveries private but reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its battle against Russia.
- EU leaders are preparing to impose additional sanctions on Russia if it does not abide by the 30-day ceasefire demanded by Western states.
