The UK and France urged Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to prove that he wanted a peace deal with Ukraine ahead of the meeting between Putin and Donald Trump on Tuesday.
In order to agree to the ceasefire proposal, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the “courage” of Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelenksy and challenged Russia to do the same.
“Sufficient death. Sufficient lives have been destroyed. Sufficient destruction. The gun must remain silent,” Macron said in a post on X.
British Foreign Secretary David Lamy said President Putin should agree to a “full and unconditional ceasefire now,” and said there was “no indication” that Putin is serious about the peace deal.
He warned that Britain and its allies had “more cards we can play” to help Russia get them to negotiate “seriously.”
The White House rang a brighter note the night before Trump Putin’s meeting.
White House spokesman Caroline Levitt told reporters Monday that Trump was “determined” to secure a peace deal.
Of what the consultations may cover, she said: “There will be a power plant on the Russian-Ukrainian border for discussions with Ukrainians, and he will address it tomorrow with a call with Putin.”
The facility could be the largest Zaporisia nuclear power plant in Europe. It has been occupied by Russian troops since March 2022, and the fear of a nuclear accident continues for the fight in the region.
Asked on Sunday which concessions were considered in the ceasefire negotiations, Trump said: “We’re talking about the land. We’re talking about the power plants. […] We’ve already talked about it and splitting certain assets. ”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on what the leaders discussed, replied, “We will never do that.”
Putin had previously said he supported a ceasefire, but he also set a list of conditions for achieving peace.
One area of competition is the West Kursk region of Russia, where Ukraine began a military invasion last August, gaining several territory.
Russia has been forced to regain it in recent weeks, but Putin now claims it has returned to Kursk’s control.
He also raised many questions about how ceasefires can be monitored and policed along the Eastern frontline, saying he would not accept NATO forces on the territory.
The peace proposal on the table was discussed last week by Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia and American representatives.
After being locked in a room, they announced a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine said it was ready to accept it.
French President Macron and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met on Tuesday, but stressed that their nation will continue to support Ukraine’s “unshakable” and demand a “clear commitment” from Russia.
