European leaders in Kiev state Russia Ultimatum: « Stakes-fire or huge sanctions »
© AFP
The leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Poles demand an « unconditional ceasefire » of one month on a visit to Kiev. If Russia does not agree against Monday, they threaten with « huge sanctions ».
With the blessing of American President Donald Trump, Europe is putting pressure on. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, President Emmanuel Macron of France, brand new Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany and Prime Minister Donald Tusk van Polen had collected together to the Ukrainian capital Kiev for top consultation with President Volodimir Zelensky. It resulted in iconic images. Zensky received guarantees of continuing European support. Thirty state and government leaders of the « Coalition of the Willing » – including Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N -VA) – called in digitally for a state of affairs.
Then Europe quickly tested the proposal with Washington and shows it its teeth: by Monday, Russia must agree with an « unconditional ceasefires of 30 days », on land, at sea and in the air. That month must then serve to set up credible peace conversations and to get an international force to guarantee peace. And if the Russians get their nose for the proposal, they risk « huge sanctions, » says Merz.
“Beating Heart of Europe”
Macron praises Ukraine at the press conference afterwards as the « beating heart of Europe ». « The future of our values and our shared safety is at stake. » Starmer once again blames the war with Russian President Vladimir Putin. « This is all of us together, with the United States, who say Russia: Time to confess color. If he really believes it, then the ceasefire for VE-Day must apply a month longer. Without mits or buts. »
The fact that American President Donald Trump gives his blessing for the Ultimatum proves that his patience with Russia is running out. Or certainly at the moment. – © AP
The fact that the United States was placed behind the Ultimatum was unthinkable until a few weeks ago. Trumps way to come to peace was mainly in it to squeeze and threaten Ukraine. Just think of the now notorious scene in the White House, where the president and his vice president JD Vance Zensky gave up the mantle. But the wind has turned in the last few weeks. Trump is becoming increasingly frustrated by Putin’s procrastination and the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine. The first proposal for a longer cease-fire comes from Washington. Although of course it always continues to guess whether Trump will continue to follow that line.
And then you have the question of how Russia will react. They have always stopped from Western support of Ukraine to even consider a ceasefire. To agree, they will have to swallow that requirement.
Read too. Big headaches for Russia: How Trump unintentionally slaughtered the dairy cow of Putin
“Insert those plans in your ass”
The first signals from the Kremlin are certainly rejecting. Former Prime Minister and Vice -President of the Russian Security Council Dmitri Medvedev wipes out Western leaders. « The intention was to discuss peace and instead they come up with threats. Put those peace plans in your ‘Panger’ ass. »
Medvedev does not seem to have so much to say, but the official mouthpiece of the Kremlin Dmitri Peskov is on the same line. Although he expresses it more diplomatic. « We hear many conflicting statements from Europe. They mainly seek confrontation instead of restoring the relationships between our countries. Nothing more than that. »
