France and UK Propose Month-Long Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Escalating Tensions
YEREVAN—France and the United Kingdom have jointly proposed a month-long ceasefire in Ukraine, specifically targeting air and sea operations, as well as energy infrastructure, amid growing concerns over escalating conflict in Eastern Europe. The proposal, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, comes as European leaders convene to address the deepening crisis and explore pathways to de-escalation.
Franco-British Ceasefire Plan Focuses on Air and Sea
President Macron, in an interview with Le Figaro, outlined the details of the proposed cessation of hostilities, noting that the initial phase would exclude ground battles due to verification challenges along the extensive frontline. “The problem is that it would be very difficult to verify that it is respected on land, given the size of the front line,” Macron stated, highlighting the practical limitations of monitoring a comprehensive ceasefire at this stage. The proposal aims to halt military activities in the air, at sea, and against critical energy infrastructure, seeking to reduce the immediate intensity of the conflict and create space for diplomatic initiatives.
European Peacekeepers Considered for Later Stage
Macron also indicated a longer-term vision involving the deployment of a European peacekeeping force to Ukraine, though clarified that this would be a subsequent phase, contingent on further developments. “Peacekeepers will be deployed later,” Macron explained, adding, “There will be no European troops on Ukrainian soil in the coming weeks.” This suggests a phased approach, with the initial ceasefire acting as a precursor to potential peacekeeping operations aimed at solidifying a more lasting peace. The French President emphasized the urgency for European nations to bolster their defense spending, suggesting an increase to 3.0-3.5 percent of GDP to address evolving security challenges and Russian military build-up. “For three years, the Russians have spent 10 percent of their GDP on defense. So we have to prepare for what comes next,” he warned, underscoring the long-term implications of the current crisis for European security.
UK Unveils New $2 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine
In a parallel move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant new aid package for Ukraine, totaling £1.6 billion (approximately $2 billion USD). The announcement followed a summit of European leaders in London focused on the Ukraine crisis. According to Reuters, the aid package is earmarked for the procurement of 5,000 air defense missiles for Ukraine. “This is vital to protect critical infrastructure and help Ukraine strengthen its overall defense in order to secure peace,” Starmer told reporters, emphasizing the defensive nature of the support and its aim to enable Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength. Starmer also noted that European leaders agreed to reconvene soon to maintain momentum and continue working on a common plan, stating, “Today we are at a crossroads in history. Now is not the time for empty rhetoric. It is the time for action and unity around a new plan for peace that is just and lasting.”
Ukraine Open to US Mineral Deal, Prioritizes Strong Army
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in discussions with British media, signaled Kyiv’s readiness to sign a minerals agreement with the United States. “The agreement that is on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” Zelensky stated following the London summit, indicating Ukraine’s continued interest in strengthening ties with Washington despite recent tensions. This announcement comes after reports of a heated Oval Office exchange between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump regarding the conflict. While reaffirming commitment to past policies, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s primary security guarantee as a strong Ukrainian army. He urged European allies to maintain a firm stance against Russia as the aggressor and reiterated the importance of utilizing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
War ‘Drawing Closer to Europe,’ Warns French Foreign Minister
Adding to the sense of urgency, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that the “front line continues to get closer” to Europe, increasing the likelihood of a broader European war. “Never has the risk of war in Europe, in the European Union, been so high. The threat continues to get closer to us, the front line continues to approach,” Barrot stated in an interview with France Inter radio. He suggested that the proposed air and sea ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could serve as a crucial test of Russia’s willingness to engage in good faith negotiations for a long-term peace agreement. Barrot’s remarks underscore the escalating concerns within European capitals about the potential for the conflict to spill over and engulf a wider region.
US Policy Review and Potential Shifts
Amidst these European diplomatic efforts, a US administration official indicated that President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with senior national security advisors, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to discuss and potentially revise US policy towards Ukraine. According to The New York Times, options under consideration include a reduction or cessation of American military aid to Ukraine, potentially reversing even recently approved shipments of arms and equipment. Concurrently, CNN sources reported preparations for a second phase of US-Russia talks, following initial discussions in Riyadh in February. These developments suggest a potential divergence in transatlantic approaches to the Ukraine crisis, with the US possibly signaling a shift in its level of engagement while European powers intensify their diplomatic and military support.
Conclusion: Fragile Hope for De-escalation Amidst Uncertainty
The Franco-British ceasefire proposal and the UK’s new aid package represent significant European initiatives aimed at de-escalating the crisis in Ukraine and fostering conditions for a peaceful resolution. However, the situation remains highly fluid and uncertain. The success of the ceasefire proposal hinges on the willingness of both Russia and Ukraine to engage, while potential shifts in US policy add further complexity to the diplomatic landscape. As European leaders continue to convene and coordinate their responses, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether these efforts can pave the way for a meaningful de-escalation and a path towards lasting peace in Ukraine.
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