A 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal on Ukraine's Table after Trump-Putin Talks
Russia is given a proposal for a 30-day truce by Ukraine.
In a surprising turn of events, Ukraine and its supportive allies, including Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Poland’s Donald Tusk, the UK’s Keir Starmer, and US President Donald Trump, are all set for a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire with Russia, beginning on Monday. This ceasefire covers land, air, and sea operations – a bold move aimed at establishing a peaceful environment for trust-building measures and dialogue.
Speaking to the media, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that this ceasefire serves as a vital stepping stone for much-needed peace talks, given that Russia agrees and appropriate oversight mechanisms are implemented [1][2][3].
This development follows a joint visit by the four European leaders to Kyiv, where they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sybiha revealed that during their gathering, Zelenskyy and the European guests also engaged in a productive phone call with Trump about potential peace efforts for Ukraine [4].
The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, wholeheartedly supports the ceasefire initiative to facilitate meaningful peace negotiations but has foreshadowed consequences should the ceasefire be violated. Emphasizing the importance of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, von der Leyen asserted that future discussions should transcend preconditions [1].
The ball is now in Russia’s court to accept the ceasefire terms. As it stands, Moscow has been hesitant, demanding stringent conditions such as preventing Ukraine from strengthening its forces or receiving Western aid, which Ukraine and its allies vehemently oppose [3].
The renewed diplomatic push comes at a critical juncture, with European leaders demonstrating their solidarity with Ukraine by joining forces and urging Russia to agree to a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire "to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace" [2]. Furthermore, Trump has reiterated the need for the ceasefire and threatened to escalate sanctions if hostilities persist, signaling strong American backing for this initiative and heightened pressure on Russia [4][5].
As we await Russia's decision, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping this ceasefire can bring an end to the conflict and pave the way for a more peaceful future in Ukraine.
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ceasefire
- Vladimir Putin
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Friedrich Merz
- Emmanuel Macron
- Keir Starmer
- Kyiv
- Wars and Conflicts
- War Crimes
References:
[1] euronews. "EU leaders call for unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine." 9 May 2025. [Accessed 10 May 2025]. Available at: https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/09/eu-leaders-call-for-unconditional-30-day-ceasefire-in-ukraine
[2] The Guardian. "Leading European leaders arrive in Kyiv to urge ceasefire in Ukraine." 10 May 2025. [Accessed 10 May 2025]. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/10/leading-european-leaders-arrive-in-kyiv-to-urge-ceasefire-in-ukraine
[3] Deutsche Welle. "Pressure ramps up on Putin to accept Ukraine ceasefire." 10 May 2025. [Accessed 10 May 2025]. Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/pressure-ramps-up-on-putin-to-accept-ukraine-ceasefire/a-61613069
[4] Reuters. "Trump renews call for Ukraine ceasefire as diplomats close in on agreement." 10 May 2025. [Accessed 10 May 2025]. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-renews-call-for-ukraine-ceasefire-as-diplomats-close-in-on-agreement-2025-05-10/
[5] CNBC. "European leaders team up to press Putin over Ukraine ceasefire." 10 May 2025. [Accessed 10 May 2025]. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/10/european-leaders-team-up-to-press-putin-over-ukraine-ceasefire.html
- The EC countries, including Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Poland's Donald Tusk, the UK's Keir Starmer, and US President Donald Trump, are urging Russia to accept a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire proposal in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the ceasefire aims to facilitate peace talks provided that Russia agrees and appropriate oversight mechanisms are implemented.
- The initiative for the ceasefire was discussed during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the European leaders, followed by a phone call with Trump.
- The EU Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, supports the ceasefire to facilitate meaningful peace negotiations, but has warned of consequences if the ceasefire is violated, emphasizing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
