Ukraine, allies demand 30-day ceasefire from Russia, warn of sanctions

Ukraine and several key European powers have jointly demanded that Russia agree to a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, aiming to create space for peace negotiations and avert further bloodshed in Europe’s longest war since World War II.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the coordinated proposal in Kyiv after hosting French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The ceasefire plan, which includes support from US President Donald Trump, was discussed in a spontaneous 20-minute call with him. Trump had recently called for a one-month truce to initiate direct talks and warned that failure to comply would lead to tougher sanctions.

While the White House stopped short of confirming any new sanctions, officials reiterated Trump’s openness to stronger economic penalties if Russia resists.

Macron stated that the US would lead efforts to monitor the truce, supported by Europe, and warned of massive new sanctions should Moscow violate the agreement.

European and American lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham, are reportedly ready to introduce severe economic measures, including a 500 per cent tariff on countries that import Russian energy, if Russia refuses to cooperate.

The leaders’ joint statement emphasized that the ceasefire must be truly unconditional, rejecting any Russian attempt to impose terms. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, remained noncommittal, reiterating that Russia was open to talks but resistant to pressure and dismissive of further sanctions.

Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations once the ceasefire is in place.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks across Ukraine have killed at least four civilians in the past day, with three deaths reported in the northern Sumy region due to shelling, and another in Kherson from a drone strike, according to local officials.

The US Embassy in Kyiv has warned of a “potentially significant” Russian air assault in the coming days. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, former US President Donald Trump voiced skepticism about Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war, suggesting peace talks remain unlikely.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s European allies continue to see the conflict as central to Europe’s security and are preparing to bolster Kyiv’s military support—regardless of future shifts in US involvement or leadership.

(With input from the Associated Press)