**France’s Macron Dismisses Putin’s Proposal for Direct Talks with Ukraine**
In a recent statement, French President Emmanuel Macron labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct peace talks with Ukraine as “a first step, but not enough.” This comes on the heels of Putin extending an invitation to hold talks in Istanbul on May 15, with no preconditions.
Macron emphasized that an unconditional ceasefire is essential before any negotiations can take place. He noted that Putin is “looking for a way out, but he still wants to buy time.” This assessment suggests that Macron believes Russia’s intentions may not be entirely genuine, and that they might be seeking to delay meaningful progress towards peace.
**Solidarity with Ukraine**
Just days prior, Macron joined other European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in a historic visit to Kyiv. This joint effort demonstrated the unity of key European nations in their support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
The European leaders issued a joint statement calling on Russia to accept a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days starting May 12. The proposal has been backed by US President Donald Trump and the European Union. If Moscow fails to comply, severe sanctions will be imposed on Russia’s banking and energy sectors.
**Russia Rejects Ceasefire Proposal**
Notably, Putin has not accepted the proposed ceasefire, instead suggesting that a “lasting peace” could be negotiated during the Istanbul talks. This stance is consistent with Russia’s previous rejection of unconditional ceasefires in their full-scale war against Ukraine. As yet, Kyiv has not responded to Putin’s comments.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains a pressing concern for international leaders. The proposed ceasefire and subsequent sanctions are critical steps towards de-escalating tensions and promoting peace. However, the fact that Russia continues to reject key demands suggests that much work lies ahead in resolving this complex issue.
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