In a new diplomatic push to end the grinding war, Ukraine and top officials from the United States, France, Britain, and Germany have discussed ways to pressure Russia into accepting a 30-day ceasefire. The talks, held online, focused on a U.S.-backed proposal that Ukraine has signaled willingness to implement immediately.
Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, revealed details of the conversation on Thursday, saying the parties agreed that “a complete and unconditional ceasefire should be the first step towards a just and sustainable peace.”
Senior officials involved included U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, France’s diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne, Britain’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell, and Guenter Sautter, a top adviser to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Ukraine has accused Russia of sidestepping the proposal, offering instead a mere three-day truce, from Thursday to Saturday, which Yermak dismissed as a strategic ploy.
“The Kremlin’s proposal for a three-day truce is not about peace, but about safely holding the parade in Moscow. This is political manipulation,” Yermak said via Telegram, referring to Russia’s planned Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat.
Despite Moscow’s limited offer, reports indicate that Ukrainian skies remained quiet across major cities on Thursday after the short-term ceasefire took effect. However, clashes reportedly continued in eastern Ukraine, underscoring the fragility of the lull.
Yermak added that during the talks, the group also discussed possible “instruments of pressure” to be used if Russia either rejects the ceasefire proposal or violates any agreements made.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has since faced mounting international isolation. Friday’s military parade in Moscow is expected to be a symbolic display of strength by Russian President Vladimir Putin, even as the war grinds on with no clear end in sight.
As Ukraine signals openness to a longer-term truce and the West scrambles for diplomatic leverage, the possibility of a broader peace deal remains uncertain but not out of reach.
