Ukraine-Russia warfare newest: Starmer says Europe and Trump are ‘calling Putin out’ to agree full 30-day ceasefire
Ukraine and European leaders agreed on Saturday to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire on May 12 with the backing of President Donald Trump, threatening President Vladimir Putin with new “massive” sanctions if he failed to comply.
The announcement was made by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Ukraine after a meeting in Kyiv, after which they held a phone call with Trump.
“So all of us here together with the US are calling Putin out. If he is serious about peace, then he has a chance to show it,” Sir Keir Starmer told reporters at a news conference.
“No more ifs and buts, no more conditions and delays.”
Sir Keir said the sanctions threat was the result of the “greatest unity we have ever had” among other countries.
The announcement comes after EU leaders and Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky had a call with Trump to discuss their proposals for the pause in fighting.
The leaders of France, Germany, Poland and the UK are all in Kyiv for the meeting.In a joint statement before their arrival, Sir Keir, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Mertz and Donald Tusk said that they are “ready to support peace talks as soon as possible”.
Real peace closer after ceasefire deal – Zelensky
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky outlined his hopes for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire deal agreed by the US and European nations on Saturday.
He posted on X: “Today in Kyiv, we have an important format, an important meeting, and a significant signal. The leaders of France, Britain, Germany, and Poland—really united Europe and Ukraine. By uniting others, we are working to bring real peace closer, ensuring long-term security not only with the five of us here but also with our friends, partners, and leaders from 30 other EU and NATO countries participating online.
“We discussed the urgent steps needed to secure peace, and our most crucial outcome is a clearly united stance. We have agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire—lasting at least 30 days—must begin on Monday, May 12. Together, we demand this from Russia, and we know the United States supports us in this effort.
“An unconditional ceasefire means exactly that—no conditions. Any attempt to impose conditions would be an effort to prolong the war and disrupt diplomatic progress. The ceasefire must be comprehensive —on land, at sea, and in the air.”
Kremlin says European countries’ statements are ‘confrontational’
The Kremlin accused European countries on Saturday of making contradictory and confrontational statements, Interfax news agency reported, after European leaders backed a plan for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine and threatened Russia with “massive” sanctions if it failed to comply.
“We hear many contradictory statements from Europe. They are generally confrontational in nature rather than aimed at trying to revive our relations. Nothing more,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying.
30-day ceasefire paves way for end of war – Kellogg
US Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg believes that a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire will start the process for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Commenting on a post by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, he wrote on the social media platform X: “A comprehensive (air, land, sea, infrastructure) cease fire for 30 days will start the process for ending the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II.
“As the President has repeatedly said, stop the killing now.”
Sir Keir Starmer hails unity of Europe over peace deal
Sir Keir Starmer is asked if he thinks Russia’s President Vladimir Putin wants peace.
“There’s only one country that started this illegal conflict and that was Russia and there’s only one country that stands between peace and that’s Russia,” Starmer replies.
He says the unity on an unconditional ceasefire is the “greatest” we’ve ever had.
“There must be an unconditional ceasefire without conditions for 30 days. We reject Putin’s demand for conditions and we will be united in our response on sanctions.
“The strength we have is in our sheer number of countries all saying the same thing 80 years after VE day.”
Zelensky says the unconditional ceasefire is necessary to end the war.
Zelensky expresses gratitude for support from Europe
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that European nations coming together with the US is a “powerful signal” to Russia.
Asked by a reporter if it was time for European soldiers on the ground, he instead chose to thank Germany for Patriot missiles and other air defence systems.
He refused to speak publicly about the quantity of air support but said that Ukraine relies on the aid.
Russia’s victory impossible due to sanctions – Tusk
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says the current sanctions are working, adding that “if it weren’t for sanctions, the situation would be comparably worse”.
“Russia is actively waiting for sanctions to be lifted,” he told journalists asking questions.
Strengthening sanctions will get results but it requires “patience and unity”, he added.
The most important thing is the decision to ramp up sanctions was a “united effort” making them more powerful.
Polish PM says world speaking in one voice over ceasefire deal
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Ukraine is paying the highest “blood price” for its independence.
Likening the war to Poland’s own battle for independence, he told reporters: “Ukraine is not alone.
“This is the day not just symbolic value this is the day a very important event took place. The ceasefire agreement has been a joint one. All done to support Ukraine for its fight for freedom and independence.
“The whole free world has been united on this. We are speaking with one voice. It isn’t a naive voice. We understand we are facing a huge test and we are waiting for Russia’s reaction.”
Estonia ready to back Ukraine, PM says
Estonian prime minister Kristen Michal, who was part of today’s virtual call of the ‘coalition of the willing’, said that his country is “ready to back Ukraine’s security guarantees”.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, after the meeting, he said: “A powerful symbol of unity to see colleagues Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Donald Tusk joining from Kyiv with today’s video call of the Coalition of the Willing.
“Estonia is ready to back Ukraine’s security guarantees. This is a commitment we must all share”.
Germany will aid coalition of the willing to ratchet up pressure on Russia
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters if Russia rejects the ceasefire, the “coalition of the willing” will continue to ratchet up pressure on Russia.
He adds, almost all members of the EU and the so-called coalition of the willing are determined to impose sanctions if the ceasefire fails.
“This war has been waged by Russia, it has not been provoked by NATO, EU or democracy. This war is caused by Russia.”
He said the coalition are already looking towards the next steps on the path to real peace as soon as possible.
‘Together we are calling Putin out’ – Sir Keir Starmer says EU is stepping up solidarity with Ukraine
Sir Keir Starmer has said the EU has learned the lessons of history with the ceasefire deal, a lesson which Putin has yet to grasp.
The announcement was made by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Ukraine after a meeting in Kyiv, after which they held a phone call with Trump. The US leader, who wants a rapid peace, has not commented publicly on the course of action.
“Russia has offered war instead of peace. Delays and smokescreens.
“So all of us here together with the US are calling Putin out. If he is serious about peace, then he has a chance to show it,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters at a news conference.
“No more ifs and buts, no more conditions and delays.”
He added: “If Putin turns his back on peace we will respond. We will ramp up sanctions and increase military support for Ukraine to pressure Russia back to the table.”
Source: independent.co.uk
