Ukraine Ceasefire First, then Talks: Merz Boldly Slams Putin's Plan as Inadequate
Putin's suggested measures fall short of what is necessary, according to Merz.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to the plea for a 30-day no-strings-attached Ukraine truce, starting Monday, as vastly insufficient. Although Putin's intent to dialogue is a "generally good sign," it falls drastically short, Merz expressed in his Berlin address.
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We're anticipating Moscow to embrace a ceasefire arrangement that allows genuine negotiations to transpire. Before talks commence, battles must cease, the Chancellor explained, referring to Kyiv's demand for a 30-day ceasefire to create a conducive atmosphere for negotiations. Ukraine already accepted this proposal unconditionally.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Putin's offer as meager. Putin strives to find a solution while also buying time, Macron conveyed on his return from Kyiv, stating that it's "a first move, but it's not sufficient." "Negotiations can never precede an unconditional ceasefire," he criticized forcefully.
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Zelensky viewed Russia's proposal for face-to-face peace talks as a promising development but insisted upon a truce starting May 12. "It's a positive sign that the Russians have finally started thinking about ending the war," he expressed on the X platform. "The very first step toward truly ending a war is a ceasefire."
It makes no sense to continue the bloodshed for even an additional day. "We expect Russia to validate a ceasefire — a complete, permanent, and dependable one — commencing tomorrow, May 12."
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CDU foreign policy authority Roderich Kiesewetter offered a more straightforward assessment of Putin's proposal, depicting it as a "sleight of hand." The trial for Putin, Kiesewetter asserted, lies in whether he agrees to the demand for a 30-day ceasefire. "What will the discussions be about? Return of the abducted children? Addressing people in the Russian-occupied territories?" he inquired. Recent attacks on Kyiv and Pokrovsk have escalated with shocking ferocity. "It's Putin's actions that matter, not his words," Kiesewetter stressed. No commitment to Ukraine's unconditional right to exist, let alone within its legitimate borders, can be inferred from Putin's words.
Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine for May 15 in Istanbul late at night. However, he refrained from directly addressing the demand for a ceasefire made by Merz, Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Zelenskyy on Saturday. Turkey has now agreed to host the peace talks.
Sources: ,
- Friedrich Merz
- Vladimir Putin
- Emmanuel Macron
- Donald Tusk
- Keir Starmer
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Wars and Conflicts
- Peace Talks
- Attack on Ukraine
- Russia
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The disagreement between Russia and Ukraine's Western allies concerning a ceasefire and peace talks revolves around conditions and the framework for negotiations. Let's delve into each key leader's present position:
Current Stance of Leaders
Russia (Vladimir Putin)
- Putin's Proposal: He advocates for direct talks without prerequisites, slated for May 15 in Istanbul, aiming to tackle the conflict's root causes for a lasting peace[1][3].
- Ceasefire Conditions: Russia suggests any ceasefire should be contingent upon the cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine, as Peskov stated, to prevent a "benefit" for Ukraine[2].
Ukraine and Western Allies
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Supports an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to facilitate diplomatic efforts, yet acknowledges the risk of breaches[2][3].
- Emmanuel Macron: Advocates for a monitored ceasefire with U.S. leadership and European support, threatening sanctions if Russia violates it[3].
- Friedrich Merz: As a member of the European delegation, he supports the unconditional ceasefire proposal, highlighting European solidarity with Ukraine[3].
- Donald Tusk: Aligns with other European leaders in backing the ceasefire proposal to progress peace negotiations[3].
- Keir Starmer: Emphasizes European solidarity and support for Ukraine in pushing Russia to agree to the ceasefire[1][3].
Disagreement Key Points
- Conditions vs. Unconditional Ceasefire: The West and Ukraine favor an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia seeks conditions such as halting Western military aid.
- Direct Talks: Putin wants direct negotiations without prerequisites, while Ukraine and its allies prioritize a ceasefire as a precursor to successful negotiations.
- Sanctions and Monitoring: The West threatens sanctions and proposes monitoring the ceasefire, which Russia views as conditional and potentially undermining their position.
- The Commission has been consulted on the draft resolution concerning the European Union's relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, given the ongoing politics related to war-and-conflicts, specifically the conflict in Ukraine.
- In his Berlin address, Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for trying to find a solution while also buying time, suggesting that genuine negotiations can only begin after a complete and dependable ceasefire.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Putin's offer of face-to-face peace talks as insufficient, with Macron stating that negotiations can never precede an unconditional ceasefire.
- In a positive development, Zelensky has agreed to Putin's proposal for peace talks, but insists upon a truce starting May 12, inferred as a demand for an unconditional ceasefire, as any continued bloodshed is seen as senseless.
