A Call for Unconditional Ceasefire in Ukraine: UK, Nordic Countries, and More Join Forces
Northern European countries, including Britain, petition for an unwavering cessation of hostilities in Ukraine without any prerequisites.
In a bid for lasting peace, multiple countries including the UK and several Nordic nations have demanded an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. Speaking at a summit in Oslo, Norway, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre asserted, "We needs an unconditional ceasefire (...), to bring about long-lasting peace." If the ceasefire isn't observed, he suggested implementing sanctions as a response.
The leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), an international rapid reaction military alliance set up in 2014, recently held talks with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. JEF comprises ten nations: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the UK, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The group aims to coordinate potential sanctions with the US when addressing the ongoing crisis.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb indicated that JEF is considering a sanctions plan targeting the Russian banking and energy sectors, which was initially proposed by Zelensky. He emphasized that Russia is facing a challenging military and economic situation, stating, "Russia cannot sustain this situation, so let's exert maximum pressure."
On the same day, Trump called for a 30-day ceasefire on his Truth Social platform following a phone call with Zelensky. French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed the U.S. President's initiative, stressing, "We must all work towards this objective with no delay, that’s without false pretenses or stalling tactics."
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
Insights:
The push for an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine involves multiple countries, each with distinct proposals. Here, we delve into the key players:
Prominent Players:- United States: The U.S. initially proposed a ceasefire deal, advocating recognition of Russian control over Crimea and lifting sanctions. However, this plan has been met with opposition.[2]- Ukraine: Ukraine continues to demand the return of Crimea and the Donbas region as a precondition for peace, while also presenting a counter-plan outlining a permanent ceasefire with substantial security pledges.[4]- European Countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and more are involved in discussions about providing military support and enforcing a peace agreement. A coalition led by Britain and France might contribute to a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine.[3]- Russia: Russia has offered ceasefire terms, requiring Ukraine to become a neutral nation, abandoning NATO aspirations, and lifting sanctions.[4]
Proposed Sanctions Against Russia:- U.S. Proposal: The U.S. first proposed lifting sanctions against Russia as part of a broader agreement.[2]- Ukrainian Counterproposal: Ukraine's counterproposal includes conditions for gradual sanctions relief on Russia, accompanied by a snapback mechanism to reinstitute sanctions should Russia violate the agreement.[2]- European Countries: In general, European countries favor maintaining sanctions against Russia until a satisfactory resolution is reached. Specific sanctions proposals vary based on the country and context of negotiations.
- Multiple countries, including the UK and several Nordic nations, have demanded an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre asserting that an unconditional ceasefire is necessary for long-lasting peace.
- If the ceasefire isn't observed, these countries may implement sanctions as a response, as suggested by Støre.
- The leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), an international rapid reaction military alliance, are considering a sanctions plan targeting the Russian banking and energy sectors, a proposal initially proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- US President Donald Trump has also called for a 30-day ceasefire, an initiative endorsed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who stressed the need for all parties to work towards this objective without delay, without false pretenses or stalling tactics.
