Putin's suggested measures fall short, according to Merz.
Headline: Merz Slams Putin's Proposal as Inadequate: Calls for Real Action
Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, has taken a dig at Russian President Vladimir Putin over his response to the demand for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. In a scathing critique, Merz declared that Putin's proposal falls far short and is insufficient. While Putin's willingness to talk is a positive sign, it's not enough, according to Merz.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a thorn in the side for nearly three years. To put an end to this deadly stalemate, Ukraine and its allies, including major European countries, have proposed a "full, unconditional ceasefire" for at least 30 days, starting from May 12, 2025. The aim is to provide a brief respite from hostilities to facilitate peace talks.
Unfortunately, Putin has responded evasively, proposing direct talks without preconditions, scheduled for May 15, 2025, in Istanbul. However, Putin has not directly addressed the demand for a ceasefire raised by Merz, Macron, and other influential leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after a return from Kyiv, asserted that Putin is trying to buy time. "It's a first step, but it's not enough," he said. "No negotiations can precede an unconditional ceasefire."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been resolute in his insistence on a ceasefire, starting from May 12. Despite Putin's proposal for direct peace talks, Zelenskyy maintains that a ceasefire must occur first for any meaningful negotiations to take place.
As the world watches, it is essential to measure Putin by his actions rather than his words, as stated by the CDU foreign policy expert, Roderich Kiesewetter. The real test for Putin will be whether he agrees to the demand for a 30-day ceasefire, and whether these negotiations lead to a complete, lasting, and reliable end to the battle for good.
- Friedrich Merz
- Vladimir Putin
- Emmanuel Macron
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Wars and Conflicts
- Peace Talks
- Attack on Ukraine
- Russia
Insights:- Putin has repeatedly proposed ceasefire initiatives, which Kyiv alleges have been sabotaged [1].- Putin's talks with the US former President Donald Trump and discussions with Zelenskyy and other European leaders indicate a coordinated response to the conflict [1].- Zelenskyy has been engaged in talks with European leaders, aiming to create a pause in hostilities to allow for peace talks [1].
[1] Source: ntv.de, gho/dpa/rts/AFP
- Friedrich Merz, in response to Vladimir Putin's proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine, condemned it as inadequate, emphasizing the need for concrete actions instead.
- In preparation for the scheduled peace talks in Berlin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the necessity of a ceasefire before any meaningful negotiations could take place.
- Emmanuel Macron, expressing concern after his return from Kyiv, stated that Putin's evasive approach to a 30-day ceasefire was a first step but not sufficient for negotiations to prosper.
- Despite the continued tensions in war-and-conflicts-related general-news, the ongoing politics between Russia and Ukraine persist, with the European Union consulting the Commission on the draft resolution regarding their relations with Central and Eastern European countries.
