Europe Demands 30-Day Truce in Ukraine, Threatens Russia with Sanctions
Europe Urges Russia for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine
European leaders are putting pressure on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting Monday. The leaders of France, Germany, the UK, and Poland, joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, made this call during a meeting in Kyiv.
The coalition also includes US President Donald Trump who initially proposed an unconditional ceasefire. They emphasized that any violation of the truce would result in “massive” sanctions coordinated between the US and European countries.
Zelensky: Unconditional Ceasefire is Crucial
Zelensky stressed the need for an unconditional ceasefire, stating that any conditions set by Russia before agreeing to a truce would be a sign of their intent to prolong the war and undermine diplomatic efforts.
‘Attempts to put forward any conditions would be evidence of an intention to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy,’ Zelensky said.
Trump and the ‘Coalition of the Willing’
The ‘coalition of the willing’ was formed to solidify a potential peace agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine, possibly including the deployment of troops. US President Donald Trump reiterated his support for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire after speaking with Zelensky.
‘If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions,’ Trump wrote on social media.
Russia’s Response and Continued Fighting
Russia has so far insisted on halting Western military aid to Ukraine before considering a ceasefire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the European statements, calling them confrontational rather than conducive to restoring relations.
Despite Russia’s claims of a temporary ceasefire declared for Victory Day, reports indicate ongoing attacks across Ukraine. In Sumy, an 85-year-old woman was killed, while residents in Kostyantynivka and Kherson were injured in Russian shelling and drone attacks.
International Efforts to End the Conflict
The call for a 30-day ceasefire comes amidst ongoing international efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. Leaders from various countries, including Italy, Canada, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, joined the Kyiv meeting either in person or remotely, underscoring the global concern over the war in Ukraine.
