UK and France Propose One-Month Truce in Ukraine’s Air, Sea, and Energy Sectors
Proposal for a Ceasefire in the Air, Sea, and Energy Sectors
In a significant development, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the UK and France have proposed a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine's air and sea operations, alongside a moratorium on attacks targeting energy infrastructure. This initiative, which excludes ground combat, is part of a new peace plan designed to de-escalate the conflict. The proposal has been presented to both Kyiv and Moscow for consideration.
Macron’s Challenges in Enforcing a Full Ceasefire
Macron acknowledged that implementing a complete ceasefire along the front line, which stretches as far as the distance from Paris to Budapest, would be difficult to monitor effectively. He expressed that controlling this aerial and naval truce would be a crucial first step towards achieving a broader peace agreement. Furthermore, he noted the possibility of deploying European troops to Ukraine in the future to assist in peacekeeping efforts.
A Coalition of Goodwill for Ukraine’s Security
In response to the peace proposal, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an emergency European summit in London. The summit aimed to form a "coalition of goodwill" to ensure Ukraine's security after the war's conclusion. Starmer emphasized that, for a lasting peace, Ukraine must be in a strong negotiating position, which requires both a European security guarantee and backing from the U.S.
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy
Macron also mentioned hopes for a de-escalation of tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This comes in the wake of Trump's previous discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump suggested a potential ceasefire agreement. However, Putin insisted on a permanent cessation of hostilities, arguing that a temporary truce would only lead to renewed fighting in the future.
Kremlin Rejects European Peacekeepers
The Russian government has firmly rejected the idea of European peacekeepers being deployed to Ukraine, labeling the proposal as “unacceptable.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also stated that there would be no cessation of hostilities along the contact line in Ukraine, marking a key obstacle to the peace process.
The Need for U.S. Security Backstop
In the wake of this rejection, Starmer called on the United States to provide a security "backstop" for any future European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. He argued that this measure would ensure that Ukraine receives lasting peace, rather than just a temporary ceasefire.
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