European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, have issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin, threatening new sanctions if Russia does not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. This announcement follows a significant meeting in Kyiv, where Starmer joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, newly-elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
This historic gathering marked the first time leaders from these four nations traveled to Ukraine together. They arrived by train, underscoring their solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. After their discussions, the leaders reached a consensus on a ceasefire set to begin on Monday, contingent on Russia’s compliance.
During the summit, Starmer emphasized the united stance of the leaders, stating, "We are calling Putin out." He made it clear that if Russia rejects the ceasefire and continues its aggression, the coalition will respond with increased sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
This push for a ceasefire aligns with comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed support for the idea but warned that failure to adhere to any pause in fighting would lead to further sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.
Zelenskyy highlighted that the ceasefire should encompass air, sea, and land operations. He warned that if Russia does not comply, it would face enhanced sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors. The European leaders plan to negotiate peace terms during the 30-day ceasefire, although Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Russia respecting the agreement.
Macron added that the ceasefire would be monitored primarily by the U.S. and European nations, with significant sanctions ready to be imposed if Russia does not agree. The discussions also touched on the formation of a peacekeeping coalition, involving military officers from around 30 countries, which would assist in stabilizing Ukraine post-conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to the leaders’ statements, accusing them of being confrontational rather than constructive. He claimed that the messages from Europe were contradictory and did not contribute to improving relations.
As the leaders paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv, the atmosphere was one of cautious optimism. The hope is that this ceasefire could provide a foundation for peace, even as both sides remain wary of each other’s intentions.