A coalition of European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish PM Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, convened in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to push for a proposed 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This initiative, which also involves a call to US President Donald Trump, emphasizes the EU’s readiness to impose "biting sanctions" should Russia violate the ceasefire agreement. The dialogue comes at a crucial time as a prior 30-hour ceasefire called by Putin is set to end, with ongoing reports of violence across Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for peace.
European Leaders Launch Initiative for New 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine
European Leaders Launch Initiative for New 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine
In a bid to stabilize the region, European leaders seek dialogue and peace talks with Russia.
The leaders, while meeting in Ukraine’s capital, expressed solidarity with the nation amidst the backdrop of Russia's "barbaric" invasion, stating they would work together, with the support of the US, to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the coalition's commitment to advance peace negotiations and secure lasting stability in the region. Despite rebuffs from Russian officials, who dismissed the ceasefire proposals and the potential sanctions, concerns continue to mount over sporadic violence and human casualties across Ukraine, putting the efficacy of any proposed ceasefire in question.
The coalition aims to create the conditions necessary for meaningful negotiations, expressing a collective resolve to present a united front against ongoing violence.
The coalition aims to create the conditions necessary for meaningful negotiations, expressing a collective resolve to present a united front against ongoing violence.
