Representatives from Ukraine held a series of online meetings with high-ranking officials from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany to discuss possible steps towards a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The main topic of the negotiations was the introduction of an unconditional and complete three-day or thirty-day ceasefire, which could serve as the first step towards initiating real negotiations.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Discussion of Ceasefire Conditions and Prospects
According to Andriy Yermak, head of the President’s Office, a thirty-day ceasefire could pave the way for fruitful and lasting negotiations that would help achieve a just peace. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready for dialogue with the support of the United States and European partners, but called for decisive action in the event of escalation from Russia. “If Moscow agrees to this proposal, we are ready for dialogue with the participation and support of the United States and European countries. But if the Kremlin chooses escalation again, our allies’ response must be decisive,” Yermak stated.
“A thirty-day ceasefire will open the way for substantive negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. If Moscow agrees to this proposal, we are ready for dialogue with the participation and support of the United States and European partners. But if the Kremlin chooses escalation over peace, the joint response from partners must be decisive,” Yermak emphasized.
During the negotiations, Ukrainian ministers of defense and foreign affairs, as well as advisors to the head of the President’s Office, participated. The American side was represented by U.S. Special Representatives Steven Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, while France was represented by diplomat Emmanuel Bonne. Representatives from Northern European and Baltic countries, the European Council, and the European Commission also participated in the discussions.
International Context and Reaction
In recent months, Washington has intensified efforts to find ways to end the war. U.S. President Donald Trump called on April 25 for Ukraine and Russia to meet for high-level negotiations aimed at reaching a peace agreement. At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on April 27 that a peace agreement should be reached soon, and the U.S. is considering continuing its role as a mediator.
In response, Russia announced a ceasefire from May 8-10 in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on this initiative, emphasized that Ukraine supports the U.S. idea of a ceasefire and proposed a 30-day pause, calling Russia’s statement “yet another attempt at manipulation.” Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump assessed Putin’s announced three-day ceasefire as “a lot, considering where we started.”
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance called for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on May 7, emphasizing that without such contacts, achieving long-term peace is unlikely. He noted that “the gap between Ukraine’s and Russia’s positions is large,” but remains optimistic about the possibility of ending the war.