In a renewed call for peace, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Russia to accept a proposed 30-day ceasefire deal put forward by the United States and Ukraine.
His statement comes as international efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continue to gain momentum.
Macron made this declaration after holding discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, March 14.
The talks were focused on diplomatic progress and the measures needed to oversee an effective ceasefire.
Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, confirmed their discussion, stating, “We have clear support from France.”
He emphasized that the ceasefire process includes technical aspects that need to be carefully monitored to ensure its effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Macron took to social media to reiterate his stance, stressing the urgency of Russia’s compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
He stated on X (formerly Twitter):
“I spoke today with President @ZelenskyyUa and then with Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer following the progress made during the meeting between the United States and Ukraine in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Russia must now accept the U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. The Russian aggression in Ukraine must end. The atrocities must stop. So must the delaying statements.”
The ceasefire proposal, which was discussed at a high-level meeting in Jeddah, aims to provide a temporary halt to hostilities, allowing for diplomatic negotiations to move forward.
Furthermore, Macron highlighted France’s commitment to strengthening support for Ukraine, revealing that ongoing discussions with world leaders would continue.
“On Tuesday, the meeting in Paris brought together around forty Chiefs of Defence Staff.
Tomorrow, we will continue working to strengthen support for Ukraine and to achieve a solid and lasting peace, in a videoconference with Prime Minister Starmer, President Zelensky, and all our partners,” he added.
The push for a ceasefire comes at a critical time, as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.
The proposed agreement is seen as a step toward de-escalation, potentially providing relief to war-affected civilians.
However, Russia has yet to formally respond to the proposal.
Meanwhile, international leaders are intensifying their diplomatic efforts to ensure a resolution that benefits both nations.
The 30-day ceasefire proposal has been positioned as a crucial opportunity to bring stability to the region.
