Ukraine and Allies Push 30-Day Ceasefire With Russia/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukraine and its Western allies are urging Russia to accept a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire starting Monday to open the door for peace talks. The proposal follows high-level visits to Kyiv by leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK. President Trump and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy support the plan, but Moscow remains noncommittal.
Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks Quick Looks
- Ukraine supports full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
- U.S. led push backed by major European allies.
- Russia has not agreed, despite repeated calls for peace.
- Trump envoy Kellogg says ceasefire covers all attack forms.
- European leaders visited Kyiv to rally support for talks.
- Zelenskyy and Trump spoke in a “constructive” call.
- Russia’s declared ceasefire reportedly violated over 700 times.
- Deadly strikes continue along 1,000-mile front line.
- European nations urge Putin to stop blocking peace.
- Virtual summit explores post-war coalition and peacekeeping deployment.
Ukraine and Allies Push 30-Day Ceasefire With Russia
Deep Look
Ukraine and Western Leaders Push 30-Day Ceasefire With Russia as Path to Peace Talks
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine and its Western allies are rallying behind a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, set to begin Monday, in a renewed diplomatic effort to end the nearly three-year war that has left thousands dead and displaced millions.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed Saturday that Kyiv is ready to begin a “full, unconditional ceasefire”. The announcement follows an international show of support from the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK, who arrived together in Kyiv for high-level discussions and commemorative events marking 80 years since the end of World War II.
Western Leaders in Kyiv for Diplomatic Push
Gathering at Kyiv’s Independence Square, European heads of state joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to honor fallen soldiers and civilian victims of the war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made his first visit to Ukraine since taking office, symbolizing what French President Emmanuel Macron called “a historic moment” for Europe’s security posture.
“This is a new era — a Europe that sees itself as a power,” Macron said in Kyiv.
Their visit comes after a joint “constructive” call between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has backed the 30-day truce as the first step toward a broader peace agreement.
U.S. and Ukraine Align, Russia Resists
While Ukraine and the U.S. have both accepted the ceasefire plan, Russia has not yet agreed. The Kremlin recently declared a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire, but Ukrainian officials accuse Moscow of violating it over 700 times within the first 24 hours.
“The Russian truce is a farce,” Sybiha said, noting ongoing Russian strikes on both military and civilian targets.
Trump’s special envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, emphasized the scope of the proposed ceasefire: it would cover air, land, sea attacks and strikes on infrastructure.
“This will start the process for ending the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II,” Kellogg said.
Escalation Despite Truce Efforts
Despite calls for de-escalation, Russian attacks continue. On Saturday, shelling in Ukraine’s Sumy region killed three civilians, while a drone strike in Kherson claimed another life, according to local officials.
India, which has remained neutral throughout the conflict, issued a separate statement encouraging “restraint and renewed diplomacy,” aligning loosely with the ceasefire effort.
In response, Ukrainian presidential aide Andrii Yermak reiterated the urgency of peace efforts, writing:
“We need to end this war with a just peace. We need to force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.”
Peacekeeping Coalition in the Works?
Following the public ceremonies, leaders convened a virtual summit with Zelenskyy to discuss forming a “coalition of the willing.” This alliance would support Ukraine militarily post-ceasefire and potentially provide peacekeeping forces to enforce a final peace agreement.
The vision is for the coalition to help Ukraine secure its borders, rebuild its armed forces, and maintain territorial integrity while peace negotiations unfold.
Trump Balancing Pressure and Skepticism
Though Trump supports the ceasefire plan, he expressed doubt last week about Putin’s willingness to stop the war, and hinted at potential new sanctions if Russia continues hostilities.
“I want peace, but I’m not sure Putin does,” Trump said.
Trump has previously floated the idea of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia to speed up peace — a position that sparked backlash from Kyiv and many European allies. But this latest plan, framed as a limited, time-bound truce, appears to be gaining traction with all parties except Moscow.
Will Moscow Come to the Table?
Analysts remain skeptical that the Kremlin will engage meaningfully without concessions. Russia has continued launching strikes along the roughly 1,000-mile front line, hitting civilian zones, military infrastructure, and energy grids, with little indication of a tactical pause.
European leaders warned that failure to achieve a ceasefire could further entrench the conflict and undermine regional stability.
“We’re still a long way from peace, but this is a vital first step,” said one senior EU official involved in the planning.
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