Nations including France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine have issued a unified declaration advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
In an unprecedented move, global leaders have united to push for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron, Rishi Sunak, Olaf Scholz, Donald Tusk, and Volodymyr Zelensky met in Kyiv on May 10, stressing the urgent need for peace.
The leaders agreed that a full ceasefire, with no strings attached, should commence on May 12. An unconditional ceasefire, they noted, cannot be restricted by conditions, and any attempts to impose conditions would only prolong the conflict and weaken diplomatic efforts.
They called for an all-out ceasefire, encompassing the skies, the seas, and the land. They acknowledged that effective monitoring is crucial to ensure this ceasefire is maintained, and they hinted at coordinating closely with the United States to make this a reality. During this period, diplomatic efforts should focus on establishing the foundations of peace in terms of security, politics, and humanitarian aspects.
Zelensky reported that reinforcing Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces is paramount to safeguarding its sovereignty and security. The leaders also agreed that guarantees of Ukraine's security should include foreign contingents.
If Russia rebuffs the proposed ceasefire, the leaders pledged to impose sanctions on its banking and energy sectors, targeting fossil fuels, oil, and the shadow fleet. They also agreed to adopt the 17th EU sanctions package and coordinate it with sanctions imposed by the UK, Norway, and the United States. Moreover, they vowed to continue leveraging frozen Russian assets.
The leaders expressed their readiness to beef up Ukraine's defense, particularly its army. This includes funding for defense sustainability, investments in weapons production, not just in Ukraine but in European countries as part of joint projects.
In light of these developments, the Kremlin has promised to "consider" the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. The West is preparing a plan for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and recent reports suggest that Russia and Ukraine could sign a ceasefire agreement this weekend. However, tensions remain high, as both sides continue to exchange accusations of ceasefire violations. Trump has been involved in these discussions, supporting the idea of a ceasefire but insisting that both parties comply.
- "Volodymyr Zelensky reported that reinforcing Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces is essential, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the nation's sovereignty and security."
- "The leaders, in their discussions, pledged to impose sanctions on Russia's banking and energy sectors if the proposed ceasefire is rejected, focusing particularly on fossil fuels, oil, and the shadow fleet."
- "In the event of a ceasefire agreement, the leaders are prepared to beef up Ukraine's defense, including funding for defense sustainability and investments in weapons production, both in Ukraine and European countries as part of joint projects."
- "President Trump has been involved in these discussions, expressing support for the idea of a ceasefire but insisting that both Russia and Ukraine comply with the terms moving forward."
