Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected an ultimatum from four European leaders. However, he has offered to start direct negotiations with Ukraine this week.
European Leaders Demand Immediate Ceasefire
Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland told Putin to accept an unconditional ceasefire by Monday. Otherwise, they warned him of tougher sanctions and more weapons going to Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the demand clear.
“All of us here, together with the US, are calling Putin out. If he’s serious about peace, then he has a chance to show it now,” he said during a joint press conference in Kyiv.
He added that the group rejected Putin’s conditions and expected peace without terms. “An unconditional ceasefire, rejecting Putin’s conditions… if he turns his back on peace, we will respond… ramp up sanctions, and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence,” Starmer said.
Leaders Visit Kyiv and Meet Zelenskyy
On Saturday, Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv by train. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took a different train. They all met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for talks in central Kyiv. This was Macron’s first trip to Kyiv since summer 2022. For Merz, it was his first visit as chancellor, just days after taking office.
Allies Ready for 30-Day Ceasefire
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, posted a photo on X of the five leaders speaking with US President Joe Biden over the phone. He wrote: “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.” Sybiha added that if Russia agrees and monitoring is ensured, this could lead to long-term peace talks.
Putin Proposes Talks
At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Putin addressed Russian and foreign media. He dismissed the call for a ceasefire but said he was open to talks. He suggested that delegations from both countries meet in Istanbul on Thursday. “We don’t exclude that during these negotiations we will be able to agree on new ceasefires,” he said. Putin left without taking any questions after keeping journalists waiting for hours.
Uncertainty from US and Trump’s Role
The White House has not released a statement about the leaders’ call. Also, it remains unclear what former President Donald Trump promised if Putin refuses the truce. While Trump’s administration has shown more caution toward Kyiv than Moscow, Trump did speak about peace. When asked for a message to Putin, he replied, “I have a message for both parties: get this war ended… Get this ignorance war finished. That’s my message for both of them.” Trump recently met Zelenskyy in the Vatican, which hinted at a shift in tone from Washington.
Russia Insists on Halting Western Weapons
So far, Russia has refused to join the proposed 30-day ceasefire unless the West stops sending weapons to Ukraine. This condition has blocked progress. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev harshly criticized the European leaders on X. “Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk were supposed to discuss peace in Kyiv. Instead, they are blurting out threats against Russia … You think that’s smart, eh? Shove these peace plans up your pangender arses,” he posted.
Russia Declares Brief Ceasefire for Parade
Moscow independently announced a three-day ceasefire starting 8 May. Ukraine said Russia only did this to prevent drone attacks during its Victory Day parade. Despite this, fighting continued on the frontlines. However, Russia limited its missile and drone strikes during the pause.
Victory Day Parade Draws Attention
On Friday, thousands of Russian troops marched in Red Square. Several foreign leaders attended, including China’s President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. EU leaders like Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić were also present, which upset some other European leaders.
Starmer Criticizes Putin’s Actions
Starmer accused Putin of using the parade as an excuse for temporary peace. “Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade, and he doesn’t need them now,” he said. He continued, “Ukraine has shown the willingness to engage again and again, but again and again Putin has refused.”
Starmer warned that Putin misunderstood history. “There is no glory in aggression and conquest… glory comes from fighting for your country, defending the people, and winning the peace,” he said.
Macron Defends Europe’s Principles
Macron also referenced VE Day and stressed the importance of defending Europe’s core values. He warned that the war in Ukraine threatens the international order. The four European leaders joined Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska at Maidan Square on Saturday. Thousands of flags there honor Ukrainians killed in the war. The group held a moment of silence before beginning talks. Later, they held a virtual meeting to discuss building a new force—on land, air, sea, and for rebuilding—that could support a peace deal.
US Warns of Possible Russian Missile Attacks
Late Friday, the US embassy in Kyiv warned of a possible large-scale air attack in the coming days. No details were shared. However, it was later revealed that Russia will close airspace over the Kapustin Yar missile testing site on Monday and Tuesday. This could signal upcoming missile launches.
JD Vance Criticizes Russia’s Demands
Even US Vice President JD Vance, often skeptical of Ukraine support, criticized Russia’s demands. “Right now, the Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they’re asking for too much,” he said.
