Kiev hosts ceasefire talks: Europe pushes Russia, comes up with threat of new sanctions

KIEV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met today in the capital Kiev with top officials from Britain, France, Germany and Poland to discuss a proposal for an immediate ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. The talks resulted in a joint offer of a ceasefire to come into force without any preconditions from Monday 12 May and last for at least 30 days.

Zelensky said during a press conference that the ceasefire could open the way for further diplomatic negotiations and ease the humanitarian crisis that has been ongoing for more than two years. "Ukraine is ready to negotiate peace. We need to stop counting the dead and start looking for a solution," the president said. European leaders also warned that if Russia, led by President Vladimir Putin, rejects the ceasefire proposal, new and sweeping sanctions will be coordinated. These are expected to hit key sectors of the Russian economy, including the energy, financial and defence industries. Western states have also declared that they will continue to supply defence equipment to Ukraine until a permanent solution is reached.

The United States, although not physically represented at the meeting, is fully behind the European initiative and will join the sanctions measures in the event of Russian refusal, according to the White House statement. The Kremlin reacted negatively. In a brief statement published by the TASS news agency, it said that "Russia will not be intimidated by any threats of sanctions" and that "any ceasefire can only be negotiated with respect for the interests of the Russian Federation." Meanwhile, international observers warn that the situation on the front lines remains tense. Intense fighting continues in some areas, notably in the Donbas and Zaporozhye regions. The UN has urged both sides to exercise restraint and appeals for the protection of civilians.

The coming days will thus be crucial for the future development of the conflict. Moscow's response to the European call for a ceasefire may determine whether the region sees a pause in the fighting or a further escalation.

gnews.cz-jav