UK and France Propose One-Month Truce in Ukraine to Test Russia’s Commitment
In a significant diplomatic move, the United Kingdom and France have proposed a one-month truce in Ukraine to test Russia’s willingness to end the war. The announcement came after a summit in London attended by European leaders, where discussions focused on finding a path toward peace. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer put forward the proposal, which would cover a ceasefire in air, sea, and energy infrastructure attacks but would not initially include ground fighting. The truce aims to determine whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is genuinely interested in ending the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that this move is a test of Russia’s intentions. “It would allow us to prove the good will of Putin if he commits to a truce. And it’s then that real peace negotiations would start. We want a solid peace and a durable peace,” Barrot said in an interview. He added that this initiative does not require Russian troops to withdraw from Ukrainian territory at this stage, making it a preliminary step toward broader negotiations.
The proposal comes at a time when tensions between Ukraine and Russia have escalated further. Just last week, Russia launched its largest drone attack since the war began, deploying over 200 drones in a single night. Ukraine has been struggling to defend its critical infrastructure, and Western leaders have been increasing their military and financial support. The UK recently announced a $2 billion deal to supply Ukraine with air-defense missiles, and now, with the truce proposal, European leaders are shifting focus toward diplomatic solutions.
While the UK and France are taking the lead in this peace initiative, there is no formal agreement on the truce yet. UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard clarified that discussions are still ongoing with European allies and the United States. “No agreement has been made on what a truce looks like, but we are working together with France and our European allies to look at what is the path to how we create a lasting and durable peace in Ukraine,” Pollard stated. A UK government official, speaking anonymously, also confirmed that while the one-month truce is being considered, it has not yet been finalized.
Germany, which is set to see a leadership change following last month’s elections, also expressed support for efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Friedrich Merz, the right-wing politician expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, thanked Starmer for his leadership in working toward a lasting peace. “We have to remain united in our goal to end Russia’s war of aggression,” Merz wrote on social media platform X.
Despite European efforts to push for peace, tensions remain high between Ukraine and the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of “gambling with World War III,” suggesting that Ukraine’s continued resistance against Russia could lead to a larger global conflict. These remarks have added to concerns that American political divisions could impact Western support for Ukraine. French Foreign Minister Barrot acknowledged these risks, stating that “never has the risk of a war in Europe, in the European Union, been so high.” He warned that the conflict is moving closer to European borders, making it even more urgent for world leaders to find a resolution.
Macron and Starmer’s proposal for a truce is seen as a strategic move to pressure Russia into engaging in serious negotiations. By focusing on halting attacks on Ukraine’s air, sea, and energy infrastructure, the initiative aims to protect civilians and critical resources while keeping military operations on the ground separate from the ceasefire. If Russia agrees to the truce and adheres to its terms, it could open the door for broader peace talks. However, if Russia refuses or continues attacks despite the ceasefire, it would further expose Putin’s unwillingness to end the war.
The proposal also reflects the evolving role of Europe in the Ukraine conflict. With uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy, European nations are increasingly stepping up their involvement in both military aid and diplomatic efforts. Macron and Starmer’s cooperation highlights a renewed Franco-British partnership in handling global security challenges. While European leaders remain committed to supporting Ukraine, they also recognize the need for a diplomatic path to peace.
One of the key questions now is how Russia will respond. Putin has previously dismissed Western-led peace initiatives, insisting that Ukraine must meet Russia’s demands before negotiations can take place. If Moscow views the proposed truce as a Western tactic to buy time and strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, it may reject the offer outright. On the other hand, agreeing to a ceasefire could provide Russia with an opportunity to regroup while appearing to engage in diplomatic efforts.
Ukraine’s response to the truce proposal has not been fully detailed yet, but Kyiv remains cautious about any agreements that do not include a full withdrawal of Russian forces. Ukrainian officials have consistently stated that any peace process must prioritize the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Allowing Russia to pause hostilities without making territorial concessions could be seen as a strategic risk.
As discussions continue, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the one-month truce moves forward. If European leaders can secure broad international support, including backing from the U.S., it may increase pressure on Russia to agree to the terms. However, without a clear enforcement mechanism, the success of the truce remains uncertain.
For now, the UK and France’s initiative signals a shift toward diplomacy while maintaining strong military support for Ukraine. Whether this approach will lead to meaningful negotiations or simply serve as another test of Putin’s intentions remains to be seen. One thing is clear—Europe is taking a more active role in shaping the future of the Ukraine conflict, and the world is watching to see what comes next.