United States and its European partners are near agreement on a draft for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with an explicit threat to Russia that if it refuses, it will lead to a fresh round of coordinated sanctions, a French diplomatic source stated on Friday.
On Thursday, American President Donald Trump openly requested an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He warned that if the ceasefire is violated, Washington and its allies stand ready to impose more sanctions on Moscow.
Ukraine has already expressed its readiness to accept the offer. Russia, on the other hand, has not gone beyond announcing a partial three-day ceasefire between May 8 and 10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
We’re not there yet, but we think we’re approaching a point of convergence,” said the French diplomatic official, speaking on background. Discussions are also under way on whether the ceasefire would be an across-the-board 30-day cessation or a gradual, compartmentalized deal.
If Russia refuses the offer, synchronized US-EU sanctions will come in hot pursuit. Both parties are now coalescing around the possible sanctions package.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot will accompany President Emmanuel Macron to Kyiv on Saturday to attend a hybrid summit with Ukraine’s closest allies. The talks will focus on finalizing the ceasefire plan.
As per the source, diplomatic and technical exchanges between the US and Europe have strengthened in recent days. Trump also called Macron Thursday to synchronize efforts. “There is clearly frustration among the Americans with Russia’s passive and unserious approach to earlier offers,” the source went on to add. “A decision is nearing inevitability.”
The upcoming summit could mark a decisive step toward temporarily halting the ongoing conflict, provided Russia cooperates with the international community’s push for de-escalation.
