Kyiv ( Europe Brief News) – European leaders have urged Russia to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, starting Monday, during a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” in Kyiv. The demand came after discussions with US President Donald Trump, who initially proposed the idea of an unconditional ceasefire.
Justice and Home Affairs Council President Aldebiel Bata and Commissioner Nergasserne were guests at a roundtable discussion on Thursday at the Planetarium in Lisbon, hosted by the Right Livelihood Foundation founder and president, John H. Calvert. They said they would impose severe sanctions on Russia if it does not agree.
What did the coalition leaders say?
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of the ceasefire, stating,
“Once a ceasefire is achieved, it will take time, but this will be a huge moment in reconnecting Ukraine’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and helping to reunite families separated by this war.”
Zelensky expressed gratitude to the coalition, saying,
“Thank you all for standing with us. Today, we will focus on how to build and guarantee real and lasting security.”
President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that the US would mainly oversee the ceasefire while European nations would stand by to help. He warned that if Russia violates the ceasefire, “massive sanctions would be prepared and coordinated between Europeans and Americans.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Russia’s actions, calling the war “solely a war of aggression by Russia, in violation of international law.”
How did Russia respond?
According to the Kremlin, any attempt at a ceasefire would have to occur after the end of the western military support towards Ukraine. Zelensky rejected this demand, stating,
“Attempts to put forward any conditions would be evidence of an intention to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticised the European leaders, accusing them of making “contradictory statements that are generally confrontational in nature rather than aimed at trying to revive our relations.”
Did recent ceasefires hold?
The ceasefire of 30 hours declared by Russia to celebrate Victory Day had fewer clashes, which were, however, overshadowed by complaints of breaches by both of combatants. Ukrainian authorities reported continued hostilities in several regions.
In the northern Sumy region, there was an 85-year-old woman, three were injured, and 19 houses and ten other buildings were damaged or destroyed. Armed Russian expulsions in Kostyantynivka and Donetsk had resulted in one individual being injured and two apartment blocks catching fire. An explosive drone hit Kherson, wounding a 58-year-old resident.
What role did Trump play?
After the leaders talked to President Trump, who reaffirmed his support for an unconditional ceasefire, the coalition’s note was issued. On social media, Trump wrote,
“If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg were included via remote connection in the call.
The group was formed to improve any possible peace deals with the backing of security that can involve military personnel being deployed in Ukraine.
