Coalition of democracies calls for 30 day ceasefire
A coalition of European powers, joined by Ukraine, has issued a unified call for Russia to enact a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, May 12 — a move aimed at halting hostilities and creating space for meaningful diplomatic engagement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made the announcement at a press conference in Kyiv, flanked by the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Germany. The proposal marks a coordinated effort by the so-called “Coalition of the Resolute” to pressure Moscow into halting its military operations, with backing from the United States.
The most important outcome of today’s meeting is our agreement that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on May 12 and last for at least 30 days,” Zelensky said. “We are united in this demand to Russia — and we know the United States stands with us.
Zelensky underscored that any attempt by Russia to impose conditions would be seen as a deliberate effort to prolong the war and sabotage diplomatic progress.
“The ceasefire must be comprehensive — in the air, at sea, and on land,” he added. “Monitoring compliance is entirely achievable, particularly in coordination with the United States. This is realistic.”
The 30-day pause, he said, would provide a critical opportunity to lay the groundwork for peace, with negotiations focusing on security arrangements, political resolutions, and humanitarian priorities.
French President Emmanuel Macron noted that the United States would lead ceasefire monitoring efforts but emphasized that European partners would also participate.
“This mechanism will allow us to immediately begin talks on sensitive infrastructure and long-term security guarantees,” Macron stated. “Should Russia violate the ceasefire, we have agreed that a new wave of severe sanctions will follow. Preparations for these measures are already underway, in close coordination between American and European partners.”
Following the Kyiv summit, President Zelensky and the four European leaders held a joint call with U.S. President Donald Trump to consolidate their stance and ensure transatlantic alignment.
Earlier in the day, ahead of their arrival in Kyiv, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK released a joint statement urging Russia to accept the 30-day ceasefire proposal.
The U.S. previously promised “bone-crushing” sanctions if Russia doesn’t comply.