An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations, Macron says of a negotiation proposal

French President Emmanuel Macron said today that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to hold direct negotiations with Ukraine is « the first step, but not enough ».

« The unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations, » Macron told reporters as he was leaving the train in the Polish city of Pshemish after his return to Ukraine, « France24 reported.

Macron added that Putin was « looking for an exit but still wants to buy time. »

Putin’s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine came hours after major European powers demanded yesterday in Kiev Putin to agree to an unconditional 30-day truce or face « massive » new sanctions. Putin rejected what he called some European forces to issue « ultimatums ».

The Russian president proposed holding direct talks between Russia and Ukraine on May 15 at a news conference in Moscow last night.

The leaders of the so-called « Coalition of the Prepared » and Ukraine adopted a joint statement in Kiev yesterday, agreeing to a complete and unconditional ceasefire that will begin on May 12, and will last at least 30 days, according to the Ukrainian President Volodymir.

As the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Ukraine said in a joint statement, this truce cannot be limited by any conditions, and if Russia set any conditions, it would be interpreted as an attempt to continue the war.