European Leaders Tell Putin to Accept Unconditional Ceasefire in Ukraine by Monday

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During a joint visit to Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom demanded that Russian President Vladimir Putin accept an unconditional ceasefire by Monday.

If he does not, Russia will face increased sanctions and Ukraine will receive increase shipments of weapons to resist Russia’s invasion.

The European leaders and Zelenskyy jointly spoke with Donald Trump by phone before delivering their ultimatum.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):

Ukraine and all allies are ready for a full unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and at sea for at least 30 days starting already on Monday. If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a durable ceasefire and confidence-building measures can pave the way to peace negotiations.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN “We have to think this through. It is a new development. But trying to pressure us is quite useless.”

Putin unilaterally declared a three day ceasefire beginning 8 May, which seemed intended to allow Russia to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day without worry about Ukrainian drone attacks. Moscow does not seem receptive to the 30 day ceasefire proposed.

Late Friday night the USA embassy in Ukraine publicly warned of intelligence about a “potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next several days”. Russia will close airspace over its Kapustin Yar missile testing range Monday and Tuesday. That suggests possible launch of ballistic missiles.

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