Western powers have proposed a truce agreement for Russia and Ukraine.
Fresh Take:
Let's dive into the latest developments regarding the potential 30-day ceasefire proposal between Russia and Ukraine. Here's the lowdown:
- Allies' Stand: Ukraine, along with its powerful allies including the U.S., UK, France, Germany, and Poland, is ready for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire on land, air, and sea. Backing this proposal, these allies have issued a warning – refuse, and face even tougher sanctions[1][2].
- Russia's Response: The Kremlin's still mulling over the 30-day ceasefire conditions, stating it needs to "think about" them. While considering the proposal, Russia is allegedly trying to snag some concessions[2][3].
- International Support: Turkey has shown eagerness to oversee a potential ceasefire, signaling support from other nations primed to aid peace efforts[2]. The U.S. has also voiced its approval of a ceasefire, with officials like General Keith Kellogg highlighting the need for Russia to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire to dodge additional sanctions[3].
- Ceasefire Conditions: Discussions have involved suggestions for a "ceasefire in place," which necessitates both sides to withdraw from a 30-kilometer demilitarized zone, with each side moving back by 15 kilometers. Monitoring of this ceasefire might involve international forces[3].
As for the face-to-face meeting, the specific date between Russian leader Putin and U.S. President's special representative Steve Whitcoff hasn't been revealed yet.
Earlier, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga dropped a statement on social media:
"Ukraine and its allies are ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and sea for at least 30 days – starting from Monday."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also chipped in, expressing his readiness for direct talks with Russia, provided the other side agrees to a 30-day ceasefire[4].
Meanwhile, Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has hinted at Russia's readiness for a permanent peace agreement rather than just a 30-day ceasefire[5].
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to unfold!
Read more:*Starmer and Macron reject Putin's demand to halt military aid to Ukraine for a 30-day ceasefireKremlin demands halt to weapons supplies to Ukraine to start 30-day ceasefireRussia and Ukraine could sign agreement on ceasefire this weekend - MertzLukashenko: Russia has been ready for a long time not just for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but for a peace agreement
- Leader Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, echoing the preparedness of his nation, has expressed readiness for direct talks with Russia, contingent upon Russia's agreement to a 30-day ceasefire.
- In a social media statement, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga declared that Ukraine, alongside its allies, is prepared to instate a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire on land, air, and sea, with the first day of the ceasefire set for Monday.
- Contrastingly, Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has hinted at Russia's preference for a permanent peace agreement rather than merely a 30-day ceasefire.
- Keir Starmer, UK's Labour leader, and Emmanuel Macron, French President, have collectively rejected Putin's demand to cease military aid to Ukraine for a 30-day ceasefire. This decision comes as Ukraine's allies remain steadfast in their support for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, as proposed to Russia.
