Russia dismisses calls for a 30-day ceasefire from Ukraine and its allies, instead pushing for direct talks with Kiev on May 15. Vladimir Putin remains unresponsive to the demand.
In the heart of Kiev, voices echoed with various discourses, all yearning for a sign from Vladimir Putin. On a crisp Saturday, May 10, Volodymyr Zelensky and four European leaders gathered by the Dnieper - Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, and Donald Tusk - were attempting to sway the Kremlin leader into accepting an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. This potential truce was aimed at silencing the battlefields on land, at sea, and in the skies, with the proposed commencement as early as Monday, May 12.
The proposal emerged following a gathering of the "volunteer coalition," composed of approximately 20 heads of state and government. This alliance, actively supporting Kiev, convened remotely, with President Zelensky and his guests nestled around a coffee table, connecting with U.S. President Donald Trump for approximately ten minutes prior to their declaration. The trio impressed upon Putin, "If he genuinely yearns for peace, he's got his chance to demonstrate it." These words were spoken by Keir Starmer during a press conference in the verdant Ukrainian presidential palace garden.
While much of the details remain exclusive to subscribers, it's worth noting that a similar request was made in the future - May 2025. During a Kyiv visit, the leaders of France, the UK, Germany, and Poland, bolstered by the U.S., pleaded with Russia to confirm to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. The proposed truce was slated to begin on Monday, May 13 (with some sources stating May 15). This initiative aimed to facilitate direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which have been absent since the invasion in February 2022[2][3][4].
The plea underscored the necessity for Russia to confirm a "comprehensive, lasting, and dependable" ceasefire before any dialogue could commence[1][2]. President Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine remained ready for talks if Russia agreed to such a ceasefire[2][3]. However, in May 2021, such an event did not unfold, as the intervention began in February 2022.
- Friedrich Merz, during a press conference in the Ukrainian presidential palace garden, stated, "If Putin truly hopes for peace, he has this opportunity to prove it."
- In the same press conference, Keir Starmer expressed, "We are praying that Putin will respond positively to our call for a cessation of hostilities."
- The General-News headlines often feature discussions about volunteers from various countries who are hoping for Putin to accept the proposed 30-day ceasefire along the Dnieper river.
- Politics surrounding Putin's stance on the ceasefire continue to be extensively covered in the world's media, with future mentions in 2025 and the potential repercussions for both Russia and Ukraine.
