- European nations propose a Ukraine truce; France suggests a one-month ceasefire for peace talks.
- US President Donald Trump pressures Zelenskiy, questioning his commitment to ending the war.
- Britain, France, and allies draft a peace plan, but Moscow rejects foreign troop deployment.
- Trump opens direct talks with Russia, sidelining Ukraine and European allies.
- EU leaders push for stronger defense spending amid fears of a weakened transatlantic alliance.
Britain confirmed on Monday that several proposals had been made for a truce between Ukraine and Russia. This followed France’s suggestion of a one-month ceasefire to facilitate peace negotiations. However, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over Ukraine’s stance, signaling a possible shift in US support.
European countries, led by Britain and France, continue to back Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. They are working on a peace initiative that ensures Kyiv’s participation, especially after last week’s Oval Office confrontation between Trump and Zelenskiy.
Europe’s Peace Proposal and US Resistance
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson stated that multiple options are being considered. France and Britain, along with potential European partners, have offered to send troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire is established. However, they emphasize the need for US backing, which remains uncertain.
Trump has taken a controversial step by engaging in direct talks with Moscow without consulting Ukraine or European allies. On Friday, he publicly criticized Zelenskiy, warning that the US could withdraw military aid if Ukraine did not align with his vision for peace.
On Monday, Trump reacted strongly to an Associated Press report in which Zelenskiy stated that the war’s end is “very, very far away.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned the remark, accusing Zelenskiy of prolonging the conflict for continued Western support.
France Proposes a One-Month Ceasefire
During a summit discussion, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested a one-month truce. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot clarified that the ceasefire would help test Russian President Vladimir Putin’s sincerity in peace negotiations.
“A truce covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure will reveal whether Putin is truly committed to peace,” Barrot stated. He added that genuine peace talks could follow if Russia complies.
Macron emphasized that European ground troops would only be deployed in a second phase. However, Moscow has already dismissed such a possibility. Zelenskiy acknowledged awareness of France’s proposal but did not confirm his stance on it.
US-Ukraine Relations Under Strain
European leaders are grappling with what some describe as Washington’s most dramatic policy shift since World War II. Zelenskiy’s abrupt departure from the White House last Friday, after a tense exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, has intensified concerns.
Zelenskiy visited Washington to finalize a deal granting the US access to Ukrainian minerals. However, he left without signing it, further straining relations. White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz later told Fox News that Zelenskiy must apologize.
“We need to hear regret from President Zelenskiy. He must sign the minerals deal and engage in peace talks,” Waltz said. “That’s not too much to ask. We will see how things develop in the next 48 hours.”
Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, Germany’s incoming chancellor, suggested that the Oval Office confrontation was a pre-planned move to pressure Ukraine. He argued that Europe must now demonstrate its independence in handling security matters.
European Leaders Accuse Trump of Betrayal
Privately and publicly, European officials are criticizing Trump for what they see as a betrayal of Ukraine. French Prime Minister François Bayrou condemned the Oval Office incident, describing it as a deliberate attempt to humiliate Zelenskiy into submission.
“There were two victims—Ukraine’s security and the longstanding US-European alliance,” Bayrou stated in the French Parliament. He praised Zelenskiy for standing firm against external pressure.
Despite growing frustration, European diplomats are trying to maintain US engagement. Peter Mandelson, Britain’s ambassador to the US, described Trump’s initiative as “the only show in town.” He suggested that Ukraine should reset relations with Washington to avoid further diplomatic fallout.
Europe Rethinks Defense as Trump Engages Putin
Trump’s direct talks with Putin have made European leaders rethink their defense strategies. As a result, the EU has scheduled an emergency summit on Thursday to discuss increasing defense spending and military readiness. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We need a major defense surge. Peace can only be sustained through strength,” she declared.
At the same time, Russia has welcomed Trump’s approach while openly criticizing Europe for supporting Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov argued, “The West is now divided,” suggesting that some nations want to extend the conflict. On one hand, Europe is pushing for a ceasefire. On the other, Trump is pressuring Zelenskiy to negotiate directly with Russia. In the coming days, Europe must decide whether to stay united or shift its stance under US influence.