Zelensky Demands 30-Day Ceasefire from Russia with Backing from U.S. and European Leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire from Russia, backed by key Western allies including the United States, in a renewed push to halt the war and pave the way for peace negotiations.

The ceasefire proposal, scheduled to begin on May 12, was announced after a high-level summit in Kyiv between President Zelensky and prominent European leaders French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

In a joint statement, the leaders called on Moscow to “commit to a complete and immediate halt to hostilities” to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and begin diplomatic discussions under international supervision.

President Zelensky said the ceasefire would be “a test of Russia’s sincerity,” adding, “If Moscow truly wants peace, it must prove it by observing this truce.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly thrown his support behind the initiative, with American diplomats working closely with European counterparts to present a united front. The White House has not yet issued a formal statement, but sources indicate that Washington views the ceasefire as a critical window to “restart diplomacy.”

While the Kremlin has not officially responded, Russian Foreign Ministry officials have signaled that they are reviewing the proposal. Analysts caution that Moscow’s approval is far from guaranteed, citing the current intensity of fighting in key regions such as Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.

International observers have welcomed the push, with the United Nations and Red Cross calling the proposed truce “essential” for the protection of civilians and the delivery of aid.

As the world watches, the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether the proposed 30-day truce can translate into a sustained peace process or fall victim to continued stalemate.