European Ministers Convene in London to Discuss Ukraine, Issue 30-Day Ceasefire Ultimatum to Russia
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European foreign ministers convened in London on May 12 to discuss critical issues related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, hosted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, included representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the EU, focusing on strategies to repel Russian aggression and enhance European security. The gathering was part of the Weimar+ group, which also included France's Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad and the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas.
The gathering comes in the wake of an ultimatum issued to Moscow by Ukraine and its European allies, demanding a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting May 12. Failure to comply would lead to new 'massive sanctions' against Russia, as stated by the coalition. The EU has reached a preliminary agreement to approve a 17th package of sanctions against Russia on May 20.
David Lammy emphasized the existential nature of the challenge facing Europe, stating that it extends beyond Ukraine's future to the security of the entire continent. He also announced that the UK would unveil new sanctions targeting those supporting Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington's priority for an immediate ceasefire.
In response to the ultimatum, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without addressing the ceasefire demand directly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Putin to meet him personally in Istanbul on the same day.
“The EU plans to unveil on May 14 its next package of sanctions imposed against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.” https://t.co/FkBGWeScqS
