Ukraine backs air truce, Europe’s role in peace talks remains uncertain, sources say
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (Office of the President of Ukraine)
Ukraine has proposed an air ceasefire with Russia, but Moscow has yet to respond. Meanwhile, Europe’s involvement in a potential leader-level summit remains under discussion, the informed sources told RBC-Ukraine.
Will Europe join peace negotiations
According to one source, both Ukraine and Europe support European involvement in the talks, and Donald Trump is open to the idea.
"We need Europeans at the decision-making table because the war is in Europe, and the decisions are about Europe. During a call yesterday, Trump was open to the discussion," the source said.
As for a possible date for such a summit, discussions are still ongoing.
What is the status of the air ceasefire proposal
Russia has not provided a clear response to Ukraine's offer of a ceasefire. Ukraine fully supports this approach, including the idea of an air truce.
"The Russians are not going for it," the source noted.
According to the source, the question now is what consequences Russia will face if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire by August 8, as demanded by the United States.
"We support a ceasefire, whether in the air or overall," the source added.
Peace is only possible after Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin meet
According to the source, a real end to the war and lasting peace can only happen after a meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
"We all know who makes decisions in Russia. We know that only America can influence him. And, of course, Ukraine’s leader must be there, because this is a war against Ukraine," the source said.
The source also speculated that recent diplomatic moves may be a maneuver by Putin to bypass the August 8 ceasefire deadline set by the United States.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Putin is considering a limited air ceasefire with Ukraine as a concession to Trump. This would involve a pause in drone and missile strikes.
As for Europe’s role in the talks, Western media recently reported that a summit is being discussed in a Zelenskyy-Trump-Putin format. Today, European Commission spokeswoman Arianna Podestà stated it is still too early to say whether Europe will participate.
Additionally, Polish outlet Onet today published an alleged plan that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff handed over to Putin yesterday.
According to the report, the plan suggests not peace, but a truce, with Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories remaining under Moscow's control for a prolonged period.
However, Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn has denied the existence of such a plan, stating that Witkoff didn't make such a proposal.
