Kiev engages in fresh discussions with American and European diplomats concerning a truce agreement
May 7 saw online discussions about a 30-day truce in Ukraine, according to the President's Office. The meeting, attended by U.S. President's special representatives like Stephen Biegun and Keith Krach, also welcomed French President's diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne, UK Prime Minister's national security advisor Jonathan Powell, and Germany's Chancellor's advisor on foreign and security policy, Günter Zutter, among others.
The Ukrainian side was represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Head of the PO Andriy Yermak, Deputy Head of the PO Ihor Zhovkva, advisors Darina Zarivna and Oleksandr Bovdun.
The main topic was the introduction of an unconditional and full 30-day ceasefire, Yermak noted. He emphasized that this should be the first stage and a prerequisite for negotiations aiming at a fair and sustainable peace.
In contrast, Vladimir Putin's proposal for a three-day truce allegedly aims solely to ensure the safety of the Moscow parade, not to achieve peace. The talks also touched upon the possible use of pressure tools against Russia in case of ceasefire proposal refusal or violation.
As of May 8, 2025, the status of the 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine remains unsettled. Ukraine is enthusiastic about implementing the 30-day ceasefire as proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to eventually proceed with peace talks [1][3]. However, Russia has shown reluctance towards agreeing to a ceasefire [3]. Kremlin officials have stated that they have not received any formal proposals from Ukraine regarding establishing a demilitarized zone [3]. The U.S. has been vigorously pushing for a ceasefire [2], while European leaders engage in discourse but express worries about being marginalized in the negotiations [2]. Fighting persists despite the push for a ceasefire, with Russia recently announcing a unilateral ceasefire for Victory Day, which Ukraine accused Russia of violating [1].
In essence, although Ukraine is eager to enforce a ceasefire, Russia's resistance to engage in such discussions remains a substantial barrier to achieving a peaceful resolution.
[1] European Council: "Ukraine Ceasefire Discussions: Recent Developments," May 8, 2025.[2] White House: "Trump Pushes for Ukrainian Ceasefire," May 7, 2025.[3] Kremlin: "No Formal Ceasefire Proposals From Ukraine," May 8, 2025.
- The 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine, discussed on May 7, involves an unconditional and full truce and is seen as a prerequisite for peace negotiations by Ukraine.
- During these discussions, Günter Zutter, Chancellor of Germany's advisor on foreign and security policy, participated, alongside representatives from the US, France, UK, and Ukraine.
- Despite the efforts of the U.S. and Ukraine to implement the proposed ceasefire, Russia has shown reluctance, stating that they have yet to receive any formal proposals from Ukraine regarding a demilitarized zone.
- The ongoing negotiations are crucial, as a peaceful resolution seems challenging due to Russia's resistance in engaging in ceasefire discussions.
