"The free world is truly united": Macron: US will monitor Ukraine ceasefire

n-tv "The free world is truly united": Macron: US will monitor Ukraine ceasefire 2 hours • 4 minutes read Merz, Macron, Tusk, and Starmer are backing Ukraine and also see US President Trump on their side. Together with him, they want to force Russia to agree to a ceasefire starting Monday. The ceasefire will be monitored by the US – with the support of the Europeans. Demonstrating unity: Keir Starmer, Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Donald Tusk According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war demanded by the Europeans will be primarily monitored by the US. This task will "in principle" be assumed by the United States, Macron said at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the heads of government of Great Britain and Poland, Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk. Within the so-called Coalition of the Willing, however, it was also agreed that "all Europeans" would contribute. Ukraine and key European allies are demanding an unconditional ceasefire from Russia, lasting at least 30 days, starting Monday. "We know that the United States of America supports us," Zelensky said. "If Russia refuses a complete and unconditional ceasefire, sanctions should be imposed, reinforced sanctions against the energy sector and the banking system." Previously, Zelensky and representatives of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" had spoken by phone with US President Donald Trump. Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, shared a photo of the group and wrote of "historic moments." Merz: "Perhaps a small chance" After the meeting, Merz emphasized: "It must be clear: If Russia refuses this ceasefire, a ceasefire that can serve as the basis for negotiations that begin immediately, then we will continue to defend Ukraine and we will further increase the pressure on Russia." "This is the largest diplomatic initiative to end the war in Ukraine in recent months, if not years," said the CDU politician. "I'm returning with the feeling that we might have a small chance." Ukraine offers Putin a 30-day ceasefire Regarding the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Merz emphasized to ntv: "We are supporting Ukraine militarily to the extent that we can and can take responsibility for. And we are doing so to end this war." In the future, however, discussions about specific arms deliveries will no longer be held publicly. Merz explained: "Under my leadership, the debate about arms deliveries, calibers, weapons systems, and so on will be removed from the public eye." At the same time, he emphasized the public's legitimate interest in information. Merz expressed his openness to a telephone conversation with Putin. "That's an option, of course." However, he would only do this in coordination with European partners and the United States. "Then everyone will know about it – before and after." Tusk: "Free world truly united" His Polish counterpart Tusk said: "For the first time in a long time, we feel that the entire free world is truly united." The idea of ​​a ceasefire starting Monday and the immediate start of peace talks is jointly supported by US President Trump, Ukraine, and the entire coalition of countries that support the country in its struggle for territorial integrity, independence, and freedom, he said. French President Macron also promised robust security guarantees for Ukraine. "We have just been able to discuss all of this with all the heads of state and government who have joined us in the 'Coalition of the Willing.'" Russia names conditions for ceasefire Russia has so far demanded that the US and EU end arms deliveries to Kyiv as a prerequisite for a 30-day ceasefire. "Otherwise, there will be an advantage for Ukraine," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier in an interview with the US broadcaster ABC. Ukraine would use a ceasefire to continue its "total mobilization" and bring new troops to the front lines, train new personnel, and give current fighters a respite, Peskov said. "Why should we give Ukraine such an advantage?" Peskov asked the US journalist. Russia itself is currently making progress with its offensive in Ukraine and has the initiative, he emphasized. Both warring parties repeatedly accuse each other of having no genuine interest in ending the fighting. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has recently been insisting daily on the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump. It is intended to provide the basis for negotiations to resolve the conflict.