Ukraine, alongside its European allies, is ramping up pressure on Russia to accept terms for a 30-day ceasefire set to begin early Monday.
On Saturday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andri Sibiha mentioned that leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland gathered in Kiev with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This partnership, termed the “Wishly Union,” focused on establishing conditions for a short-lived suspension amidst more than three years of escalating conflict. Former President Trump also joined the meeting via phone, where discussions revolved around “peace efforts.”
“Ukraine and all allies stand ready for a comprehensive, unconditional ceasefire that is already in effect on the ground and in the air, lasting at least 30 days,” Sibiha wrote on social media platform X.
British Prime Minister Kerri Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz were in Kiev to facilitate peace talks.
This summit comes as Trump has been actively advocating for a ceasefire in Eastern Europe, aiming to halt the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II.
In recent months, Trump has pressured both Ukraine and Russia to agree to a temporary ceasefire. While Ukraine supports a month-long ceasefire, Russia has not yet agreed. The former president has warned of further sanctions against Moscow if a deal isn’t reached soon.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President Vance, who are directly involved in negotiations with Russian officials, have voiced their frustration over the drawn-out process. They have indicated that they might withdraw from talks if progress continues to stall.
During a conversation with Trump on Thursday, Macron stated he had a “strong” discussion about the “unconditional 30-day ceasefire,” similar to talks he had with his British and Nordic colleagues earlier that day.
After his discussion with Zelensky on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his call for an “ideally 30-day unconditional ceasefire.”
In recent weeks, Trump has toned down pressure on Zelensky, and their relationship seems to be in a more favorable light compared to their contentious White House meeting in February. Both Trump and Vance have criticized Ukrainian leadership for not fully valuing the support from the US.
Both leaders attended Pope Francis’ funeral while in Rome.
Doug Klein, a policy analyst at Razom Ukraine, commented that there might be a shift happening. “This might ultimately show that after months of pushing Ukraine and appealing to Russia for peace, the White House has finally recognized that Ukraine has been a willing partner all along, agreeing to all proposed ceasefires,” he noted.
