Northern European countries, including the UK, express backing for a 30-day truce in Ukraine; Norway's Prime Minister endorses the proposal.
Here's a Fresh Take:
It's bloody time for a truce, an unequivocal truce, pal said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to the reporters following a Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) coalition meeting in Oslo.
"This truce needs to be kept in check and observed meticulously before moving on to the tough negotiations for permanent peace," he furthered.
The JEF, a swift response group, comprises Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. This force was initially established to deal with crises.
French President Emmanuel Macron, on Friday, backed Trump's call for a truce. Macron stated on a social platform, "We should all push towards this goal without wasting time, empty promises, or needless delays."
Store disclosed that during a dinner with leaders from the JEF member countries on the previous day, they discussed the suggestion with both US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"We also underline the need for accountability when it comes to upholding the truce," Store continued. "If it's violated, penalties should be imposed."
Ramping up the pressure
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, later at a joint press conference with Store concluded the JEF meeting, stated, "The sanction package would be most effective if it were synchronised between Europe and the United States."
He added, "The United States has two sanction packages ready," and "the sanctions we're discussing now and that President Zelensky has brought up concern banking and the energy sector."
Stubb mentioned that economically, Russia is in a compromised position compared to what is often portrayed in the public arena. "Russia is not able to endure this situation," he said. "Let's press the advantage."
"I'm cautiously optimistic that at this particular moment in time, we're moving in the right direction, both militarily on the ground, as Zelensky has stated, and also in terms of the truce and the peace process."
Trump, on Thursday, demanded a "30-day unconditional truce" on his Truth Social network after speaking to Zelensky.
"Both countries will be held to account for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations to cease the conflict, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022," Trump asserted.
"At various levels, we've agreed to invite Ukraine to participate in relevant exercises, engage in joint training, and collaborate on mutual learning, technical innovation, and cooperation," he added.
Note: This article was published on May 13, 2022 and does not reflect any recent developments.
[1] References omitted for brevity. *This brief includes insights on current windings around proposed sanctions on Russia and the international community's efforts to neutralize the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are unifying their efforts to force a truce. If Russia declines, they are prepared to enforce sanctions. Russia has rejected the truce proposal, increasing tensions for further economic and diplomatic confrontations.
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store emphasized the need for an unequivocal truce in Ukraine, suggesting meticulous observation before tough negotiations.
- French President Emmanuel Macron supported Trump's call for a truce in Ukraine, urging a quick approach without pretences or delays.
- JEF member countries, including the United States and Ukraine, discussed a truce and potential sanctions against Russia during a recent meeting.
- Despite the call for a truce, Russia has rejected the proposal, leading to increased tensions for potential economic and diplomatic confrontations.
- The United States has two sanction packages ready, targeting the banking and energy sectors in Russia, aiming to further pressure Russia.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to participate in relevant exercises and collaborate with other countries as the international community works towards a ceasefire.
