Major European powers push for Ukraine ceasefire
Major European powers, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, called for an unconditional 30-day Ukraine ceasefire starting May 12. They warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of “massive” new sanctions if he refuses the proposal within days. This united front came during a Kyiv meeting involving leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine, who also held a phone call with Trump.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the urgency, saying, “So all of us here together with the U.S. are calling Putin out. If he is serious about peace, then he has a chance to show it. No more ifs and buts, no more conditions and delays.”
Mixed reactions from Moscow and Western nations
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the European leaders’ announcement, calling their statements “contradictory” and confrontational rather than diplomatic. Still, Peskov later indicated Russia would consider the ceasefire proposal while maintaining its own stance.
Western nations have repeatedly toughened sanctions against Russia since the 2022 invasion, but the conflict persists. This recent show of unity, especially from the U.S. after months of unpredictable policy shifts, signals a stronger Western front. Despite past tensions, Washington has repaired ties with Kyiv and secured preferential access to Ukrainian mineral deals.
Sanctions and ceasefire conditions discussed
French President Emmanuel Macron warned, “In the event that the ceasefire is violated, massive sanctions will be prepared, in coordination between the Europeans and the United States.” This marks a closer alignment between the White House and Europe, despite previous trade disputes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the ceasefire, agreed to start Monday, must be unconditional and cover air, sea, and land. If Russia rejects it, tougher sanctions targeting energy and banking sectors would follow. The leaders stressed the ceasefire aims “to make room for diplomacy” and urged Russia not to impose conditions that would prolong the war.
Russian reactions and ceasefire challenges
While Peskov mentioned Russia supports a 30-day ceasefire “with nuances,” he also stated that Western military aid to Ukraine must stop for it to work. Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian official, harshly criticized the peace plan on social media.
Monitoring of the ceasefire would mainly be handled by the U.S., with European support, according to Macron. Although the leaders agreed to negotiate peace terms during the pause, Zelenskiy warned, “We have no illusions that the ceasefire will be breached.”
On-the-ground realities and symbolic visit
Just before the summit, the U.S. embassy warned of a possible major air attack. The European leaders arrived in Kyiv aboard the “Bravery Express,” paying respects to fallen Ukrainian soldiers at a memorial. This came at the end of a ceasefire declared by Putin from May 8–10, which Ukraine rejected as insincere.
Near the front lines in Zaporizhzhia, soldiers reported ongoing shelling and drone attacks despite the supposed ceasefire. One wounded soldier named Stanislav said, “There hasn’t been any ceasefire, shelling has continued just as before… Nothing has changed at all.”
This complex situation highlights the challenges ahead as efforts continue to secure peace in Ukraine.