**Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement Possible This Weekend, Says Germany‘s New Chancellor**
In a significant development, Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed hope that an agreement on a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could be reached as early as this weekend. Speaking to reporters in Brussels on May 9, Merz emphasized the importance of a comprehensive peace deal, stating that there is a “great chance” that Russia’s temporary three-day truce will be extended to 30 days.
This optimism comes amidst Russia’s unilateral declaration of a Victory Day “truce,” which has already been violated. Despite this setback, European leaders are pushing for a more substantial ceasefire, with Merz and other top officials in alignment with the United States on the proposal for a complete 30-day truce.
**A Proposal for Peace**
The proposed ceasefire is meant to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and pave the way for negotiations on a peace treaty. The visit of European leaders to Kyiv on May 10, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, underscores the international community’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the issue, calling for an “unconditional” month-long ceasefire and threatening additional sanctions against Russia if it does not agree to a peace deal. This show of unity between European leaders and the U.S. highlights the significant diplomatic effort being put into finding a resolution to the conflict.
**The Ball is in Moscow’s Court**
Merz emphasized that the responsibility for accepting or rejecting this proposal lies squarely with Moscow, stating, “We very much hope that this will also be accepted on the Russian side… The ball is entirely in Moscow’s court.” This emphasis underscores the fact that Russia has thus far shown little inclination to compromise.
**A Challenging Road Ahead**
While the proposed ceasefire agreement presents a glimmer of hope for resolving the conflict, it remains uncertain whether Russia will take the necessary steps to bring about peace. As Abbey Fenbert, senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent, notes, “The U.S. has initiated a series of failed peace talks and broken ceasefires in recent months, as Russian attacks against Ukraine have only grown deadlier.”
In light of this history, it remains to be seen whether Russia will ultimately accept the proposed ceasefire agreement. One thing is certain, however: the international community’s continued commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict offers a glimmer of hope for the people of Ukraine.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
