US and Europe to offer Moscow new truce, threaten sanctions – Reuters
The United States and its European allies are finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire that, if rejected by Russia, would lead to the joint imposition of new sanctions against Moscow, Reuters reported, citing an anonymous diplomatic source in France.
"We're not completely with a finalised project, but we hope that we're at a moment of convergence (Positions. – Ed.)," the interlocutor said.
According to him, "in the coming hours and days" there could be an announcement of a 30-day or partial ceasefire – the format is "still being discussed."
"We are reaching a point where we will not wait for a formal response from Moscow to a joint proposal to declare this ceasefire," the person said.
The source noted that discussions are still ongoing on whether to declare a unilateral ceasefire or give Russia a short period of time to respond; at the same time, in case of refusal, new US and European Union sanctions will be imposed against Moscow.
As the media notes, both sides are coordinating actions regarding sanctions packages.
According to Reuters, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (who met with his American counterpart, Marc Rubio, in Washington last week) will join President Emmanuel Macron in Kyiv on May 10, where Ukraine's closest partners will meet and discuss the American and European proposals for a ceasefire.
The source said that political and technical negotiations between Europe and the United States have intensified since last week.
"We felt in the discussions with the Americans a certain irritation towards the Russian posture, the lack of reactivity and seriousness in its responses to what was proposed before. The decision is practically taken," the interlocutor concluded.
- On the evening of May 8, Trump and Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation: the latter once again confirmed that Ukraine was ready for a 30-day ceasefire "at least starting today" and expected Russia to agree to this proposal.
After the call, the US leader once again called for a ceasefire and threatened sanctions.
- On the same day, Trump had a conversation with Macron – the French president stated that his country, together with all Europeans and in close coordination with the United States, would be ready to "respond decisively" if Russia did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire.