Ukraine and its Western allies are preparing to propose an “unconditional ceasefire” in a coordinated effort that may lead to the US and Europe imposing additional sanctions on Russia if the offer is rejected by the Kremlin, according to sources familiar with the plan.
These sources informed the Financial Times that Europe and Ukraine are nearing the final stages of this proposal with the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire, covering air, sea, and land, and noted that monitoring its implementation is feasible with US coordination.
“If Russia declines a full and unconditional ceasefire, stronger sanctions must target its energy and banking sectors,” Zelenskyy stated, identifying oil, fossil fuels, and Russia’s “shadow fleet” as significant areas for potential measures.
Plans for a robust 17th package of EU sanctions are underway, set to be aligned with those from the UK, Norway, and the US.
This development arises as leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK visited Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy. Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, joined French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the Ukrainian capital. This marked the quartet’s first visit since Merz assumed office this month.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported a productive phone conversation with Donald Trump regarding peace efforts.
Though Trump and his negotiators have been cautious about threatening new sanctions against Russia, insiders suggest that Washington is now considering such actions.
Trump recently expressed that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin might be exploiting him.
“If the ceasefire is violated, the US and its partners will impose additional sanctions,” Trump announced on Truth Social.
The European leaders’ visit is intended to demonstrate Western solidarity with Zelenskyy after Putin hosted the leaders of China and Brazil at Moscow’s Victory Day parade, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.
In a pre-visit statement, the leaders called for a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate US-led negotiations to end the conflict and urged Russia to cease obstructing efforts toward sustainable peace.
“The bloodshed must end. Russia must halt its illegal invasion, allowing Ukraine to thrive as a safe, secure, and sovereign nation within its internationally recognized borders for future generations,” the statement declared.
In addition to Trump’s call, other global leaders from the “coalition of the willing” joined the five leaders in Kyiv for a virtual meeting. Discussions focused on supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities and rebuilding its military for long-term security post-agreement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the meeting, acknowledging the fine line maintained to keep US involvement in resolving the conflict. She praised the minerals deal clinched to avert US disengagement and noted Trump’s new willingness to pressure Russia as potentially pivotal.
“The ball is now in Russia’s court, and efforts must continue to hold it there,” she asserted, referencing further sanctions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told ABC News that Putin would need to observe changes in battlefield dynamics before agreeing to an extended ceasefire. He argued that Russian forces currently hold momentum, and a truce is improbable without a halt to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine.
“Otherwise, it gives an advantage to Ukraine,” Peskov stated. “Ukraine could use such a period to mobilize, train new troops, and rest existing forces. Why provide this advantage?”
Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire, previously supported by Kyiv but not agreed to by Putin, has seen Russia pledge pauses during holidays and attacks on energy infrastructure, yet strikes on civilian areas persist across regions.
European leaders expressed readiness to foster talks between Ukraine and Russia, seeking ways to implement a ceasefire as groundwork for a comprehensive peace accord.
The EU recently called for an “unconditional 30-day ceasefire,” asserting that the responsibility lies with Russia to pursue peace. This appeal, supported by all 27 member countries, including previously dissenting Hungary and Slovakia, was issued by the bloc’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas.
EU foreign ministers from around 20 nations traveled to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to declare support for a special tribunal to prosecute high-ranking Russian officials for war crimes during the conflict. The court will be established through a joint agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, a leading human rights organization on the continent.
Additional reporting by Lucy Fisher in London.
