Zelenskyy: 30-day ceasefire starts May 12, Russia faces consequences if rejected
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
A ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is set to begin on Monday, May 12. If the Kremlin rejects a full and unconditional ceasefire, it will face new sanctions, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference following the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
"We agreed that starting Monday, May 12, a full and unconditional ceasefire will begin for at least 30 days. We are demanding this from Russia, and we know that the United States of America supports us in this," the president emphasized.
He noted that an unconditional ceasefire means "without any conditions." According to him, any attempt to impose conditions would signal an intention to drag out the war and disrupt diplomacy.
The president emphasized that the ceasefire must be comprehensive: in the air, at sea, and on land. At the same time, he noted that monitoring the ceasefire is entirely possible in coordination with the United States.
"This is truly realistic. The ceasefire must last for 30 days to give diplomacy a real chance. During this time, efforts will be focused on defining the security, political, and humanitarian foundations of peace," Zelenskyy added.
He noted that Ukraine is pleased that the call for a ceasefire and transition to meaningful diplomacy is supported by all, not only European countries but also the United States, which proposed it first.
"By the way, this was first proposed during the meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 11," the Ukrainian president remarked.
According to the president, a clear priority is strengthening Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces as the main guarantee of Ukraine's sovereignty and security. He also stressed that a key element of security guarantees should be a support contingent.
What threatens Russia in case of refusal
"If Russia rejects the full and unconditional ceasefire, sanctions must be applied," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He explained that sanctions will be strengthened against Russia's energy sector and banking system.
"Preparation is underway for a strong 17th package of European Union sanctions. It will be coordinated with sanctions from the United Kingdom, Norway, and the US We welcome the strong signal from Canada regarding the intensification of their sanctions," the president added.
He also mentioned that Ukraine has agreed with its partners to continue work on effectively using Russia's frozen assets, which will be discussed at the upcoming G7 summit.
Ceasefire to start Monday, May 12
As a reminder, on May 10, the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing arrived in Kyiv. After the meeting, the participants of the Coalition of the Willing called President Donald Trump.
As a result of all the negotiations, the participants set a deadline for Russia to agree to the ceasefire.
It is now known that Ukraine and all its allies are ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting May 12.
As previously reported, the US and the EU proposed a new 30-day ceasefire. In case of refusal from the Kremlin, new harsh sanctions will be imposed on Russia.
RBC-Ukraine reported that the media learned the details of the document in which Ukraine, the US, and the EU formulated a list of conditions for Putin.
