Ukraine peace talks: Leaders push Putin for ceasefire commitment
The British government leader, Keir Starmer, spoke on Sunday about the Ukraine-Russia war with leaders from the USA, Italy, France, and Germany, according to a representative from the Prime Minister's office on Downing Street. It was noted that the necessity of an unconditional ceasefire was discussed.
An official emphasized that during the consultations, held shortly before the planned Monday phone call between Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, there was a strong emphasis on the need for Putin to "take seriously" the peace negotiations.
"Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe," wrote French President Emmanuel Macron on the platform X after the conversation.
According to Downing Street, the possibility of additional sanctions on Russia was also discussed if the Kremlin continued to maintain its current stance on the ceasefire and peace talks proposals.
Reuters reported thatUK Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Russia on Saturday of deliberately taking actions aimed at concealing its true stance.
The agency points out that Russia claims the conditions for any cessation agreement must be thoroughly agreed upon before signing. Moscow fears Ukraine will use the ceasefire to regroup and strengthen its forces.
Ceasefire proposal
Russia rejected the 30-day ceasefire proposal. This proposal was supported by European leaders along with the American president. Instead, Moscow expressed a willingness to negotiate with Ukraine, which took place on Friday in Istanbul.
However, the talks ended in failure. Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia only agreed on the exchange of 1,000 prisoners for 1,000.
