US and Europe Near Agreement on 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal
The United States and its European allies are in the final stages of drafting a joint proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, which, if rejected by Russia, would trigger coordinated new sanctions, The Gaze reports, citing Reuters.
The development comes as leaders and top diplomats from 35 countries convened in Lviv, Ukraine, to mark Europe Day and demonstrate political unity around Ukraine’s sovereignty, including support for a Special Tribunal on Russian aggression.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged both sides to accept the ceasefire deal:
“A 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine must be agreed to. If not, Washington and its partners will impose further sanctions if the ceasefire is not respected.”
Ukraine has expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal, while Russia has announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 10, timed to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
A French diplomatic source said:
“We’re not completely with a finalised project, but we hope that we’re at a moment of convergence.”
“What could happen in the coming hours and days, there could be an announcement of a ceasefire either of 30 days or compartmentalized, which is still being discussed.”
The official added that discussions were ongoing on whether to announce the ceasefire unilaterally or to set a short deadline for Moscow to respond. If Russia refuses, a new sanctions package coordinated between the U.S. and the EU would be announced.
“We felt in the discussions with the Americans a certain irritation towards the Russian posture, the lack of reactivity and seriousness in its responses to what was proposed before,” the source said. “The decision is practically taken.”
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