PARIS, France – French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have put forward a proposal for a limited one-month ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, excluding ground combat. Macron stated that the proposed truce would encompass air, sea, and energy infrastructure attacks, but monitoring compliance along the front line would be challenging. The distance of the front line was likened to that between Paris and Budapest.
Macron revealed the ceasefire proposal in an interview with Le Figaro as he traveled to London for a summit with European leaders, aimed at advancing initiatives for a peace plan in Ukraine. This gathering followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where world leaders expressed strong backing for Zelenskiy and pledged increased aid to his nation.
According to Macron, the Franco-British suggestion involves the deployment of European ground troops to Ukraine in a secondary phase, acknowledging that such troops will not be present on Ukrainian soil in the coming weeks. The priority now is securing a ceasefire through negotiations lasting several weeks before proceeding with troop deployment once peace is formalized.
Zelenskiy acknowledged awareness of the plan when questioned by reporters in London, indicating a willingness to engage in the proposed negotiations. Macron emphasized the need for European nations to allocate more resources towards defense, suggesting a potential increase in defense spending as a percentage of gross domestic product. In addition, Macron urged the European Commission to explore innovative financing solutions for defense expenditures.
Efforts to broker a truce between Russia and Ukraine continue amid escalating tensions, with the proposed ceasefire offering a potential pathway towards de-escalation. The involvement of European leaders underscores the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with a focus on ensuring the security and stability of the region. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of the proposed ceasefire in bringing about a lasting peace in Ukraine.