Vladimir Putin has turned down a demand from European leaders, suggesting instead a direct negotiation with Ukraine. He faces an ultimatum to either accept a ceasefire by Monday or deal with increased sanctions.
UK, France, Germany, and Poland’s leaders have told Putin it’s time to agree to an unconditional ceasefire. “We’re all urging him, including the US. If he really wants peace, now’s his chance,” said Prime Minister Kiel Starmer at a press briefing with other leaders from Kiev.
These leaders stress the need for a ceasefire, outright rejecting any conditions from Putin. They noted that if he refuses to embrace peace, they’ll collaborate with President Trump and others to bolster sanctions and enhance military support for Ukraine’s defenses.
Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz traveled to Kiev together on Saturday morning, while Donald Tusk arrived separately. The leaders convened with Zelensky for discussions in the city center. This marks Macron’s first visit since summer 2022, and Merz’s inaugural trip as Prime Minister.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported a constructive conversation with President Biden regarding peace initiatives. He shared images of the leaders gathered, highlighting their commitment to a complete ceasefire. Sybiha expressed readiness for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire if Russia complies and guarantees proper oversight.
Putin’s reaction came during a Kremlin press conference where he dismissed the ceasefire call but indicated openness to negotiations. He proposed that discussions between both nations could commence in Istanbul this Thursday. “We’re not dismissing the option of establishing a new ceasefire during those talks,” Putin mentioned.
Previously, Ukraine and European capitals had insisted that an unconditional ceasefire was necessary before negotiations could start. After the briefing, reporters waited a long time for questions that never came.
If Putin declines the ceasefire, there hasn’t been an immediate response from the White House. Trump suggested that a 30-day truce could be a stepping stone towards a lasting peace. While Ukraine is prepared for this ceasefire, Russia has insisted it would only agree if all Western weapon deliveries to Ukraine stop.
Some signals show that Russia might not accept the latest demands, with former president Dmitry Medvedev criticizing the peace talks taking place in Kiev. He seemed to mock the leaders’ plans, suggesting they weren’t smart in pushing the issue against Russia.
Meanwhile, Moscow announced a three-day ceasefire starting May 8, ostensibly to protect against Ukrainian drone attacks during the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
During this annual event, thousands of soldiers paraded through Red Square, with numerous world leaders in attendance, including Xi Jinping and Brazil’s President Lula. The presence of leaders from Slovakia and Serbia reportedly frustrated others from Europe.
Combat continued along the front lines even during the ceasefire, as both factions reported ongoing skirmishes. However, it seems that Russia has refrained from aerial attacks on Ukraine during this time.
Starmer emphasized that Putin’s prior eagerness for a ceasefire stood in stark contrast to his current refusal, which leads to concerns about his understanding of history and the futility of conquest.
Macron noted the importance of war in Ukraine for the defense of principles vital to the international order, mentioning VE Day as a crucial reminder of this context.
The leaders visited Maidan Square in Kiev, honoring those lost in the conflict with Russia and momentarily pausing for reflection before their discussions with Zelenskyy. They subsequently conducted virtual meetings to discuss developments regarding military and reconstruction initiatives aimed at peace agreements.
Trump has yet to comment publicly on his discussions with the leaders. When asked if he had a message for Putin, he simply said, “Please end this war.”
His administration has generally taken a stronger stance in favor of Kiev compared to Moscow, although some indications suggest a potential shift following a positive interaction between him and Zelensky at the Vatican.
Even Vice President JD Vance, typically viewed as skeptical concerning Ukraine, expressed criticism towards Russia’s recent demands, implying they’re excessive.
On Friday night, the US embassy in Kiev issued a warning about potential air assaults in the upcoming days, later revealing that Russia would close airspace on Monday and Tuesday.
