European Leaders Urge Russia to Accept 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine
In a powerful show of unity, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland gathered in Kyiv on May 10 to call on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting May 12. The proposal is intended to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea to create space for renewed diplomatic dialogue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as they presented a united front. All leaders stressed the urgency of de-escalation and underscored the broad international support for the ceasefire, including backing from the United States.
“We have jointly agreed that a full, unconditional ceasefire must begin on May 12 and continue for at least 30 days. We expect Russia to adhere to this without delay,” President Zelenskyy stated during the joint press event.
The ceasefire proposal marks a critical push to end more than three years of devastating conflict. European officials have made clear that a refusal by Russia to participate could trigger additional economic sanctions targeting critical sectors of its economy, including energy and finance.
While Moscow has yet to officially respond, Russian officials have signaled resistance, citing the need for security guarantees and expressing concerns over Western military aid to Ukraine.
As the deadline nears, the global community awaits Russia’s decision. This proposed ceasefire is viewed as a crucial opportunity to pause the bloodshed and move toward a sustainable resolution to the war.
