**Ukraine and European Allies Demand 30-Day Ceasefire from Russia**
In a major push for peace, Ukraine and its European allies are demanding that Russia agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on May 12. This demand was made by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference in Kyiv on May 10.
The call for a comprehensive ceasefire comes after talks between Ukraine, France, the U.K., Germany, and Poland. The five leaders met with Ukrainian officials to show their support for Ukraine amid growing calls for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk all traveled to Kyiv on May 10.
**A Ceasefire is Key to Lasting Peace**
According to Zelensky, the ceasefire would allow all parties to focus on defining the security, political, and humanitarian foundations of a lasting peace deal. This is a crucial step towards resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire was also made by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week. In a phone call with the five European leaders, Trump expressed his support for the proposal. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the call as “productive” and said that all allies are ready to enforce a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea.
**Russia Must Be Held Accountable**
If Russia refuses to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, sanctions could be applied against its energy sector and banking system. This is according to Zelensky, who emphasized that if Russia “takes the proposal lightly,” then it would be met with a new wave of sanctions.
Tusk also stressed that coordination with the U.S. was key to achieving an effective approach to peace talks. He warned that if Russia fails to comply, tougher sanctions could be imposed.
**Russia’s Response**
So far, Russia has only proposed partial ceasefires during holidays and celebrations. Zelensky has dismissed these proposals as “theatrical” given the ongoing attacks reported by Ukrainian soldiers along the front line. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia rejected a 30-day ceasefire because it would be to Kyiv’s “advantage.”
**What’s Next?**
The demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire is a significant development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. If Russia agrees to this proposal, it could pave the way for lasting peace talks. However, if Russia refuses, sanctions could be imposed, and tensions may escalate.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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