European Leaders, Trump Urge Putin for 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire
Russia offered a 30-day truce to Ukraine, cancelling military operations for a month.
In a joint move, European leaders and Donald Trump have called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, inviting Vladimir Putin to join the peace talks. The recent visit by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Kyiv pushes for a united front against Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
Unconditional Ceasefire
In a bold step, Ukraine and its European allies, including France, Germany, Poland, and the UK, have proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday. The announcement was made by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha during a meeting on X platform.
European Unity in Solidarity
This visit marks a historic moment as these leaders traveled together to Ukraine, demonstrating European unity in support of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders' joint call for a ceasefire was also supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Russia's Approval Condition
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow expressed that Russia's approval of the ceasefire is contingent upon a halt in Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. Peskow stated, "Without a halt to arms deliveries, a ceasefire at this time, when Russian troops are making significant progress, would mainly benefit Ukraine."
Symbolic Actions and Diplomatic Pressure
During their visit, the leaders participated in symbolic actions, such as laying flowers at a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Independence Square, showing their solidarity with Ukraine. With their collective presence in Kyiv, these leaders aim to exert diplomatic pressure on Putin, following Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
Pushing for Peace Efforts
US President Donald Trump was also part of the peace efforts, reportedly having a "productive" conversation with Zelenskyy and the European leaders about supporting Ukraine during their meeting. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the international community, led by these political heavyweights, is hopeful that a ceasefire can bring about a lasting peace.
Sources: ntv.de, fni/AFP
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ceasefire
- Wladimir Putin
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Friedrich Merz
- Emmanuel Macron
- Keir Starmer
- Kyiv
- Wars and Conflicts
- War Crimes
Enrichment Data:
- Unified Visit to Kyiv: The leaders' joint visit to Ukraine demonstrates a powerful statement of European unity in support of Ukraine's President Volodzymyr Zelenskyy and pressing Russia to accept a ceasefire.
- Ceasefire Proposal: The European leaders' collective call for a 30-day ceasefire aims to create an atmosphere conducive to peace talks and work towards ending the conflict.
- Joint Statement: The leaders issued a joint statement echoing their support for President Trump's calls for a peace deal and emphasizing the requirement for Russia to cease obstructing peace efforts.
- Symbolic Actions: The leaders participated in symbolic actions such as laying flowers at a memorial for fallen soldiers, displaying their solidarity with Ukraine.
- Diplomatic Pressure: The leaders' collective presence in Kyiv seeks to put pressure on Putin, following closely after Russia's Victory Day celebrations where Putin hosted other leaders.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal by Ukraine and its European allies, including France, Germany, Poland, and the UK.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced her support for the joint call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of ending the conflict in Ukraine.
- Dmitri Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, stated that Russia's approval of the ceasefire is contingent upon a halt in Western arms deliveries to Ukraine.
- The leaders' symbolic actions during their visit to Kyiv, such as laying flowers at a memorial for fallen soldiers, symbolized their solidarity with Ukraine and their readiness to put diplomatic pressure on Putin.
