In a joint diplomatic initiative, French, British, German, and Polish leaders on Saturday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine from Monday — or risk stepped-up sanctions. Supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called from a telephone earlier that day, the European leaders were at the side of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, describing the meeting as a “very important signal.”
A joint statement posted on Zelenskyy’s official website urged a month-long ceasefire — by land, sea, and air — to open the door to renewed diplomacy. “An unconditional ceasefire cannot be made conditional. Any such requests from Russia are efforts to slow down diplomacy,” the statement said.
Kremlin Responds Cautiously
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN that Russia would consider the proposal. However, he repeated Moscow’s stance that it is ready for peace talks “without preconditions,” blaming Kyiv for the lack of progress.
Russia’s own unilateral three-day ceasefire, announced to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany, ran out Saturday. Ukraine reported Moscow broke the ceasefire several times. An earlier 30-day ceasefire offer by the U.S. in March was embraced by Ukraine but got stuck in Moscow.
Possible Penalties for Not Abiding
French President Emmanuel Macron threatened that “massive, coordinated sanctions” were being readied in case Russia defied the ceasefire. These would hit Russia’s energy and banking industries. Ceasefire monitoring would be led by the U.S., assisted by European nations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlined European solidarity: “This is Europe stepping up, showing solidarity with Ukraine.”
Security and Support for Ukraine
The leaders also touched upon long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron suggested the deployment of foreign troops and additional investment in Ukraine’s defense industry. Membership in NATO was not mentioned, but the step is interpreted as a protection measure against future Russian aggression.
Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, called the proposed ceasefire “comprehensive,” encompassing a suspension of all military actions and attacks on infrastructure.
Ongoing Ground Violence
Despite diplomacy, attacks continued to flow from Russia. Three individuals died as a result of shelling in northern Ukraine’s Sumy province, while a drone exploded over Kherson and killed a civilian. The American embassy in Kyiv announced a “potentially significant” Russian aerial bombardment over the next few days.
Meanwhile, Putin received Vietnam, Zimbabwean, Burkina Faso, and Palestinian Authority leaders in Moscow for talks, demonstrating solidarity among non-Western states.
Conclusion
As diplomatic efforts to conclude the war gain traction, concerns continue to exist regarding Putin’s commitment to peace. Ukrainian authorities reiterate that any peace comes with strong guarantees — and the price of ongoing war must be too high for Russia to pay.