ISTANBUL

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Saturday that European leaders have proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine starting Monday, with monitoring to be led primarily by the US and supported by European countries.

Speaking at a summit in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Germany, the UK and Poland, Macron said the ceasefire offer comes with a coordinated deterrent.

“In case of violations, massive sanctions will be prepared between Europeans and Americans,” the French president said.

“We hope peace can begin as early as Monday,” Macron added during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

He also confirmed that the European leaders held discussions with US President Donald Trump.

Poland’s Tusk said the decision reflects the unity of the democratic world. “We have this feeling that the whole free world is united behind this decision we have taken together.”

German Chancellor Merz expressed his support for Ukraine, saying his country “stands in solidarity with Ukraine.”

British Prime Minister Starmer emphasized Ukraine’s right to a secure future, stating: “We pledge once again that Russia will not prevail.”

Zelenskyy said the proposed ceasefire could serve as a foundation for lasting peace. “Together, we can consolidate the foundations of peace. We are working together with the United States,” he added.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined the summit via video link. In a statement released by her office, the urgency of a “full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire” was reiterated, and expectations were expressed that Russia would respond positively to Trump’s call.

She also highlighted the importance of the upcoming major international conference on Ukraine’s reconstruction, to be hosted by Italy in July.

Russia has not yet responded to the European proposal.