Ukraine and Allies Demand Full, Unconditional 30-Day Ceasefire with Russia Starting May 12

Ukraine, along with its European allies including France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, has announced readiness for a "full, unconditional ceasefire" with Russia, set to begin on Monday, May 12, and last for at least 30 days. This statement was made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Saturday.

The call for a ceasefire follows a meeting in Kyiv attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who arrived to support Ukraine and push for Moscow to agree to a truce. The leaders also participated in a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, which was described as 'productive' by Sybiha.

The proposed 30-day truce aims to facilitate peace talks and establish security, political, and humanitarian foundations for a lasting peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire across all domains - in the air, at sea, and on land. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have expressed support for the ceasefire and readiness to impose further sanctions if Russia breaches it.