Kiev, Ukraine – Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced on Saturday that Ukraine and its allies are prepared for a “complete unconditional ceasefire” with Russia, starting from Monday and lasting at least 30 days.
The announcement coincided with the visit of leaders from four significant European nations to Kiev. Russia has indicated a willingness to engage in peace talks to help resolve the nearly three-year conflict. They referred to Sybiha’s comments as a “constructive” dialogue, following discussions that included President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Saturday also marked the end of a one-sided three-day ceasefire, during which Ukraine claimed that Russian forces violated the agreement multiple times.
In March, the United States proposed a limited 30-day truce, which Ukraine accepted, but Russia was not amenable to the conditions set forth.
Leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK visited Kiev together, where they met with Zelensky and attended a ceremony at Independence Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion. They lit candles as makeshift memorials for fallen Ukrainian soldiers and civilians since the Russian invasion.
This marked the first joint visit of these leaders to Ukraine, and it was also German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz’s inaugural trip to the country.
Sybiha criticized the Russian ceasefire as mere “theater,” claiming Russian troops had violated it over 700 times. Both sides acknowledged continued military actions on Thursday.
The statement from the leaders called on President Trump to back a peace agreement, urging Russia to commit to a complete and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to facilitate discussions aimed at achieving lasting peace.
While Trump is advocating for a resolution to the conflict soon, Zelensky has tentatively approved the US proposal for a first 30-day cessation of hostilities. However, Russia has not signed on, continuing its attacks along the extensive frontline, including a lethal strike in residential areas without clear military targets.
On Saturday morning, local officials reported that Russian artillery fire in the North Smie region resulted in three civilian deaths and multiple injuries. Additionally, a man died in the southern city of Carson due to a drone strike, according to regional governor Oleksandr Prokdin.
French President Emmanuel Macron remarked in Kiev, describing the cooperation among Poland, Germany, and the UK as a historic moment for European defense, emphasizing the significance for Ukraine and the broader region.
Last week, Trump expressed doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions regarding the war’s conclusion, suggesting the need for enhanced sanctions against Russia, given the stalled progress towards peace.
Efforts to end the conflict have seemed distant for months since Trump resumed office, with previous claims of impending breakthroughs failing to materialize. Trump has previously suggested Ukraine consider ceding territory to Russia and indicated he might withdraw if negotiations became challenging.
European allies view the war as vital to continental security, increasing pressure to support Kiev militarily, regardless of Trump’s stance.
Ukrainian presidential aide Andri Yermack, who met with the European leaders at a central station in Kiev, provided updates on Telegram on Saturday.
Later, the leaders held a virtual meeting with Zelensky, discussing plans for a potential “pleasant coalition” that could continue to support the Ukrainian military post-peace agreement and oversee future peacekeeping efforts with Russia.
