In a bid to address ongoing tensions in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have introduced a proposal for a one-month ceasefire, focusing on air and sea operations. This comes after recent crisis discussions in London aimed at solidifying a united European stance amid shifting US priorities.
Overview of the Ceasefire Proposal
Macron disclosed the details of the ceasefire plan following a summit with European leaders on 2 March 2024. The proposed truce is intended to halt hostilities in the air and at sea, although ground fighting may continue initially, given the complexities of monitoring compliance across the extensive front lines.
- Macron suggested that peacekeepers might be deployed later.
- European troops are not expected to be on Ukrainian soil in the immediate future.
European Defence Spending
As part of the ongoing discussions, Macron has recommended increasing European defence spending to between 3.0 and 3.5 per cent of GDP to adequately respond to Russia’s militarisation and to align with shifting US policies. He noted that Russia has allocated about 10 per cent of its GDP to defence for the past three years.
Reactions from Ukraine and the US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he was aware of the truce discussions but emphasised that any ceasefire must come with robust security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. This comes in light of recent diplomatic tensions, particularly after an interaction between President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy that many have interpreted as a setback for Ukraine’s support from the US.
According to European officials, the relationship between Ukraine and the US appears to be in need of recalibration, especially following Trump’s controversial statements regarding the potential negotiation of peace without consulting European allies.
Future Outlook
European leaders are currently preparing for an emergency summit to discuss the proposed peace plan and its implications. As tensions continue, the emphasis on a unified European response is more critical than ever.