Call for Ceasefire in Ukraine
European leaders and President Trump are urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting Monday, with the threat of increased military support for Ukraine and significant sanctions looming.
This ultimatum was conveyed during a meeting in Kiev on Saturday, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss a U.S.-led ceasefire initiative.
Zelensky stated that more than 30 countries are backing this effort. The discussions also revolved around boosting military aid to Ukraine, encompassing additional tanks, drones, ammunition, and long-range missiles.
After the summit, the leaders made a call to Trump, discussing their position early in the morning in Washington, DC. A White House official confirmed to the Post that Trump maintains a consistent message: if both parties can establish a ceasefire, the U.S. will continue to support peace efforts.
Zelensky characterized the conversation with Trump as “positive and concrete,” while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andri Sybiha noted that it was focused on advancing peace initiatives.
In the lead-up to these discussions, Trump reiterated a plea for a 30-day unconditional pause in hostilities, essentially warning Putin that there would be consequences for failing to comply.
According to Sybiha, Ukraine and its allies are prepared for a full unconditional ceasefire from Monday, covering all combat areas.
Zelensky emphasized that any ceasefire must be “complete and unconditional.” Failing that, European allies are prepared to introduce further energy and financial sanctions against Russia.
Following the meeting, it was stated that there would be “new and massive” sanctions if Putin does not comply, indicating a firm stance against any delays or conditions from the Russian side.
Trump and his foreign policy team are reportedly frustrated by the stagnant peace negotiations. Vice President JD Vance expressed concerns that negotiating terms are too demanding, particularly regarding territories yet to be seized by Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Russia’s openness to a ceasefire but noted that there are complexities that require discussion.
Despite announcing a three-day unilateral ceasefire to commemorate Russia’s victory day, Moscow has continued its assaults on Ukraine, launching over 100 airstrikes recently.
Reports indicate that since agreeing to Ukraine’s terms in March, the Kremlin’s actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 117 civilians, including nine children, and injured over 1,000 people.
In one recent attack, an 85-year-old woman was killed, and three others were hurt during strikes in northeastern Ukraine, while additional drone attacks in the Donetsk region also claimed lives.
