Even Kellogg Slams Kremlin's Move: Putin's Proposal Falls Short, Says Merz
Putin's proposition falls short, according to Merz.
The government and its Western allies are urging the Kremlin to agree to an immediate 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting on Monday. However, Putin only offers talks a few days later. Chancellor Merz, backed by Paris and Kiev, along with Trump's Ukraine envoy Kellogg, are far from satisfied with Putin's response.
In Berlin, Merz called Putin's approach mere words, insufficient for facilitating genuine peace talks. It's essential that the guns fall silent first, he emphasized, echoing Kiev's demand for a 30-day truce for negotiations to commence. "The world is hopeful that Moscow understands this, as Ukraine has already agreed without conditions," Merz stated.
U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, echoed Merz's stance, demanding an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as the precursor to comprehensive peace discussions. "No more delaying tactics or games, Putin!" Kellogg wrote on Twitter.
Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have deemed Putin's proposal as falling short. Macron is hopeful that Putin will eventually accept the need for a ceasefire, as it is a necessary step towards reasonable dialogue, albeit insufficient on its own. "The challenge now lies in ensuring that talks are conducted honestly and effectively," Macron stated upon his return from Kiev.
Kiev Counters Putin’s Talk Offer: Zelensky Demands Immediate Ceasefire
On his social media platform, Zelensky described Putin's offer for direct peace talks as a positive sign but stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire. "First comes the initiation of a ceasefire this Monday, May 12," Zelensky highlighted. "This is the only viable way to begin negotiations aimed at ending this senseless war."
Zelensky expressed concern that continued hostilities only perpetuate violence and death, urging Moscow to agree to a lasting, reliable ceasefire from May 12. "It is high time we put an end to this cruel conflict," he asserted.
CDU Politician Calls Out Putin: Kiesewetter Sees Evasive Maneuver
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter viewed Putin's proposal as an evasive maneuver, demanding a clear commitment to a 30-day ceasefire. "If Putin truly seeks peace, he must first agree to our demand for a halt in hostilities," Kiesewetter insisted, questioning the true intentions behind Putin's proposal for talks.
Despite Putin's expressed willingness to negotiate, Kiesewetter emphasized that Russia's actions must reflect its words, noting ongoing Russian attacks on Kiev and Pokrovsk. "Putin's words alone will not bring peace; it is his actions that truly matter," Kiesewetter stressed.
Overall Situation
Ongoing diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Russia persist, as Putin continues to express concerns over security while demanding recognition of Russia's territorial claims in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Meanwhile, Ukraine urges stronger support from its Western allies, while maintaining its stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity. Delays in reaching a formal ceasefire agreement, intermittent hostilities, and a growing need for humanitarian aid throughout the region have raised international concerns.
If you need more information about the current status of ceasefire negotiations, proposed agreement terms, or the positions of key leaders involved, feel free to ask!
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz, representing the German Commission, has also been consulted on the draft resolution regarding the European Union's relations with Central and Eastern European countries, expressing a shared agreement with Merz's stance on the importance of a swift 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
- The debate over Putin's ceasefire proposal has extended into the realm of policy-and-legislation, with many Western leaders and Ukrainian officials urging him to offer an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a first step towards comprehensive peace discussions.
- While Putin's willingness to hold peace talks is noted, the general-news media has critically highlighted his delayed response, as Milan Merz, Joe Biden's Ukraine envoy, and other world leaders continue to demand an immediate ceasefire.
- As Putin's ceasefire offer continues to be a topic of discussion in politics, parliamentarians like Roderich Kiesewetter have emphasized the necessity of a clear commitment to a 30-day ceasefire, calling out evasive maneuvers that delay the implementation of peace firmly.
- In light of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine and the subsequent delays in reaching a formal ceasefire agreement, there is growing concern among world leaders and humanitarian organizations about the prolonged suffering and need for additional aid in the region.
