"Ball is now in Russia's court": EU President calls for unconditional ceasefire

By ANI | Updated: May 10, 2025 16:57 IST2025-05-10T16:50:07+5:302025-05-10T16:57:38+5:30

Brussels [Belgium], May 10 : As European leaders gathered in Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine, European Commission President ...

"Ball is now in Russia's court": EU President calls for unconditional ceasefire | "Ball is now in Russia's court": EU President calls for unconditional ceasefire

"Ball is now in Russia's court": EU President calls for unconditional ceasefire

Brussels [Belgium], May 10 : As European leaders gathered in Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced strong support for peace.

Backing the proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, she emphasised that it must be implemented without preconditions.

Saying that "the ball is now in Russia's court," von der Leyen warned of further sanctions if Moscow breaches the ceasefire, underscoring that a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is essential for the stability and security of Europe.

Sharing a post on X, von der Leyen wrote, "We support the proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. It must be implemented without preconditions to pave the way for meaningful peace negotiations. The ball is now in Russia's court."

"We stand ready to maintain strong pressure on Russia and impose further biting sanctions in the event of a breach of a ceasefire. Our objective is clear: a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, which is vital for security and stability across our continent," the post added.

Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland travelled to Kyiv, urging Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasised the importance of peace, sovereignty, and Ukraine's future as a free and European nation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with the leaders, paid tribute to the soldiers killed in the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "We remember and honor the sacrifice of the fallen Ukrainian warriors."

Sharing a post on X, Starmer wrote, "In Kyiv today with @EmmanuelMacron, @_FriedrichMerz, and @DonaldTusk. Russia must agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Every step we take towards that is another step towards security and prosperity in the UK."

In a post on X, Macron wrote, "Back in Kyiv, my first thoughts go to the Ukrainian people. For more than three years, you have stood with admirable courage... In the face of Russia's aggression, our response must be collective. This visit is made jointly with Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom."

The post added, "I have three messages. First, peace A just and lasting peace begins with a full and unconditional ceasefire. That is the proposal we are advancing with the United States. Ukraine accepted it on March 11. Russia, however, delays, sets preconditions, plays for time, and continues its war of invasion. Second, sovereignty The peace agreement to be built must guarantee Ukraine's security. That is what we have been working onin Paris, in London, and now here in Kyiv. We are making progress together. Finally, the future Ukraine is fighting for its people, but also for the European ideal we all believe in. A free, strong, prosperous, and European Ukraine is our goal."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared a photo of himself in Ukraine, accompanied by the flags of both Poland and Ukraine, showcasing support.

Earlier, CNN reported that Ukraine's Western allies, including the US, are threatening to slap Russia with more sanctions if Moscow fails to sign up to the 30-day truce in Ukraine proposed by the US.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday added the threat of additional sanctions from the US and "its partners" to his latest call for an "unconditional ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine that Moscow has repeatedly rejected.

Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine one of his priorities, and he has invested much effort into trying to get Russian President Vladimir Putin on board. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff went to Russia four times to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and there have been several other high-level meetings between US and Russian officials since Trump returned to the White House in January.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

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