Title: Ukraine War Live Ticker — Macron: Direct Negotiations Need an Unconditional Ceasefire
Putin's proposal falls short according to Macron
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, deems the Russian proposition for face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine insufficient. In his return journey from Kyiv, Macron, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asserts the need for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire during these negotiations.
Macron perceives Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal as a stratagem to buy time while still diverting attention away from the main objective. Following Putin's recent proposal for discussions starting next Thursday in Istanbul, turmoil continues in war-torn Ukraine.
Inside the Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, civilian air raids occurred over the weekend, injuring two people and causing casualties ten days prior. Kupiansk was also heavily bombarded from the air a week ago, resulting in the death of a man buried under the wreckage.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military has prevented numerous attacks since the previous day, with 60 incidents reported in the Pokrovsk sector alone. The Russians launched 63 air strikes, deployed kamikaze drones, and precipitated over 4,000 shellings, with 85 utilizing multiple rocket launchers.
Russian drone attacks have recommenced in Kyiv, earlier halted due to a brief ceasefire, according to reports from the city. Intensified drone attacks have also resurfaced in Odessa, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, triggering increased air alerts. So far, no significant damages have been reported following these attacks.
Ukraine's capital has witnessed a surge in air alerts and intensified drone attacks, causing Mayor Vitali Klitschko to urge citizens to seek shelter in bunkers.
Around the same time, US President Donald Trump reiterates his commitment to collaborate with both Ukraine and Russia to finalize an end to the ongoing conflict. Trump emphasized his consistent efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis in a statement made on his Truth Social platform.
Interestingly, during his recent meetings with Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, relied on Kremlin-provided translators instead of his own personal translator, raising questions about protocol breaches.
In an attempt to avert further escalations and to ensure a peaceful resolution,European and American leaders implore Russia to adhere to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting May 12th. If Russia declines this proposal, stringent sanctions will be imposed on the Russian energy and banking sector, targeting fossil fuels, oil, and the shadow fleet.
The leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK gathered in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to issue a joint statement, outlining the potential consequences of Russia's rejection. Notably, they clarify that any ceasefire request that includes conditions amounts to an attempt to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy. In response to these concerns, Putin proposed direct negotiations without preconditions, slated to commence in Istanbul on May 15th.
Ukraine has signaled its readiness to engage in diplomatic dialogue but insists upon preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity as non-negotiable terms.
Sources: * ntv.de * gut/mau/dpa/rts/AFP
Tags: * Ukraine Conflict * Ukraine * Military * Military Operations * Russia * NATO * Cyber War * Attack on Ukraine * Volodymyr Zelensky * Vladimir Putin * Wars and Conflicts * War Crimes
- French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have collectively called for an unconditional, immediate ceasefire during face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as they believe Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal is a tactic to buy time.
- Amidst the ongoing negotiations, Russian drone attacks have resumed in cities like Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, prompting air alerts and urged citizens to seek shelter.
- The leaders of Europe and America have urged Russia to adhere to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting May 12th, with potential stringent sanctions imposed on the Russian energy and banking sector if the proposal is declined.
- Ukraine has signaled its readiness for diplomatic dialogue with Russia, but emphasizes that preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable terms.
