European Leaders Demand Immediate Unconditional Ceasefire in Ukraine, Warn of Tougher Measures on Russia

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

European leaders have jointly issued a stern ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine by Monday. The call came during a high-level visit to Kyiv by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The joint statement followed a conference call with U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting transatlantic alignment on pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities.

Starmer made it clear that failure by Russia to comply would trigger swift consequences, including harsher sanctions and expanded military aid for Ukraine. The leaders underscored that the international community stands ready to act decisively if Moscow refuses peace.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Kyiv is fully prepared to implement the proposed ceasefire, pending agreement from Russia and the deployment of international monitors to ensure compliance.

The Kremlin responded cautiously, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating the proposal would be considered. However, he dismissed attempts to pressure Moscow, calling them “futile.” Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev lashed out on social media, mocking the peace proposal and Western leaders in a provocative message.

The ceasefire demand comes days after Russia declared a short three-day truce to coincide with its annual Victory Day celebrations. Ukrainian officials criticized the move as a tactical pause rather than a genuine effort for peace. Fighting reportedly continued on the front lines during the Russian-declared ceasefire, though aerial attacks subsided.

During their visit, Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Maidan Square in central Kyiv to pay tribute to those killed in the conflict.

The leaders also participated in a virtual meeting with global allies to discuss the development of a proposed international security and reconstruction initiative for Ukraine, encompassing air, land, maritime, and recovery forces.