Urgent Call for Peace: Ukraine’s Allies Advocate 30-Day Ceasefire Beginning Monday

KYIV – Today, four European leaders visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. If not, they warned of more sanctions on Russia.

“The ceasefire must be comprehensive: in the air, at sea, and on land,” Zelenskyy stated. He also suggested that the ceasefire could be monitored with help from the United States, which he called realistic. This pause would allow for real diplomatic efforts.

Zelenskyy shared that he spoke with President Trump about their shared plans moving forward. “We all stand united, alongside the U.S., pushing Putin to act,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “If he wants peace, he needs to show it now.”

The ceasefire could potentially begin as soon as Monday, but the likelihood of this happening seems slim. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that Europe’s stance is primarily confrontational, not conducive to reviving relations. Furthermore, Russia continues to demand that Ukraine concede large territories in the east and south.

This visit marked the first joint appearance of Starmer, along with the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland, as they participated in a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing.” This coalition comprises mostly European nations ready to support Ukraine following a lasting ceasefire after over three years of full-scale war.

Others joining the meeting virtually included Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Canada’s Mark Carney, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took office on May 6 and is known for his strong support of Ukraine, emphasized that Europe would continue to defend Ukraine if Russia denies the ceasefire proposal.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Ukraine “the beating heart of Europe.” He documented their journey by train on Instagram, showcasing a visit to a memorial for the war dead in central Kyiv alongside Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the meeting in Kyiv as “symbolic,” emphasizing the strength of unity in a city enduring frequent Russian attacks.

In light of ongoing conflict, a recent poll indicated that over 70% of Ukrainians support negotiations for peace, reflecting a strong desire for stability and recovery. Experts suggest that a ceasefire could not only pave the way for diplomatic talks but also improve the humanitarian situation, making reconstruction efforts more feasible.

This moment in history could be pivotal. If successful, it may reshape future European relations, creating a more united front against aggression while supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

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