Leaders emphasize the need for a ceasefire ahead of critical talks, while concerns grow regarding nuclear safety amid ongoing conflict.
**Calls for Peace: UK and France Urge Putin Ahead of Trump Talks**
**Calls for Peace: UK and France Urge Putin Ahead of Trump Talks**
The UK and France have called on Putin to demonstrate genuine desire for peace with Ukraine as Trump prepares for discussions.
The UK and France have issued a strong appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace with Ukraine before a scheduled phone call with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday. French President Emmanuel Macron commended Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his courage in agreeing to a ceasefire proposal, demanding that Russia reciprocate with similar actions.
“Enough deaths. Enough lives destroyed. Enough destruction. The guns must fall silent,” Macron stated in a message shared on social media platform X. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this sentiment, insisting that Putin should pursue a "full and unconditional ceasefire now," expressing skepticism over whether the Kremlin truly seeks peace. Lammy warned that the UK and its allies have “more cards to play” to pressure Russia into serious negotiations.
Meanwhile, the White House presented a more optimistic outlook ahead of the Trump-Putin talks, indicating that peace in Ukraine is “closer than ever.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned Trump’s determination to negotiate, highlighting a potential discussion concerning a power plant located on the border between Russia and Ukraine. This facility is likely the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been occupied by Russian forces since March 2022, raising concerns over nuclear safety due to ongoing conflicts in the area.
In the context of the ceasefire negotiations, Trump noted that territorial discussions and the division of assets would be on the agenda. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from mentioning specific topics, insisting that such details are not disclosed. While Putin has previously expressed support for a ceasefire, he has outlined several conditions necessary for peace, including issues surrounding the control of the Western Kursk region, which witnessed an incursion by Ukrainian forces last August.
Talks regarding the peace proposal recently took place in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian and American representatives. After extensive discussions, both sides were reported to be open to a 30-day ceasefire, a proposal Ukraine is reportedly ready to accept. Macron, alongside newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stressed their nations’ steadfast support for Ukraine and reiterated the demand for clear commitments from Russia.
“Enough deaths. Enough lives destroyed. Enough destruction. The guns must fall silent,” Macron stated in a message shared on social media platform X. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this sentiment, insisting that Putin should pursue a "full and unconditional ceasefire now," expressing skepticism over whether the Kremlin truly seeks peace. Lammy warned that the UK and its allies have “more cards to play” to pressure Russia into serious negotiations.
Meanwhile, the White House presented a more optimistic outlook ahead of the Trump-Putin talks, indicating that peace in Ukraine is “closer than ever.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned Trump’s determination to negotiate, highlighting a potential discussion concerning a power plant located on the border between Russia and Ukraine. This facility is likely the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been occupied by Russian forces since March 2022, raising concerns over nuclear safety due to ongoing conflicts in the area.
In the context of the ceasefire negotiations, Trump noted that territorial discussions and the division of assets would be on the agenda. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from mentioning specific topics, insisting that such details are not disclosed. While Putin has previously expressed support for a ceasefire, he has outlined several conditions necessary for peace, including issues surrounding the control of the Western Kursk region, which witnessed an incursion by Ukrainian forces last August.
Talks regarding the peace proposal recently took place in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian and American representatives. After extensive discussions, both sides were reported to be open to a 30-day ceasefire, a proposal Ukraine is reportedly ready to accept. Macron, alongside newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stressed their nations’ steadfast support for Ukraine and reiterated the demand for clear commitments from Russia.
