Europe, US Rally Behind Ukraine’s Ceasefire Offer, Urge Russia to Accept

European officials and US lawmakers urged Moscow to accept Ukraine’s immediate ceasefire proposal and show whether it is serious about ending the war. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga (R) and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) lay flowers to the Memory Wall of Fallen Ukrainian Defenders in Kyiv on June 30, 2025. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Western officials rallied behind Kyiv’s ceasefire proposal, urging Moscow to accept an immediate and unconditional halt to hostilities and show whether it is serious about peace. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Zelensky had “once again demonstrated” Ukraine’s readiness for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, calling on Russia to accept the proposal and begin the truce “already tonight.” Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said Sweden “fully supports” Zelensky’s proposal starting at midnight and called on Russia to “show that it is serious about ending the war.” Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said Ukraine was choosing peace “not for two days, not for a parade,” but as a genuine offer to stop the killing. He called Russia’s limited May 8-9 truce “a PR exercise,” adding: “Now it’s Russia’s turn.” Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen also backed the ceasefire, urging Russia to respect it, stop the killing and use the opportunity to return to negotiations. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže accused Russia of launching missiles and drones at Ukraine while “pretending” to offer a ceasefire for a propaganda event, saying: “Actions, not words, matter.” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Moscow wanted a pause for a “parade” while continuing attacks on Ukraine, arguing that Russia must now show it is serious about peace, not just symbolism for its “celebrations.” Other Topics of Interest Russian Strikes Kill 22 in Ukraine Hours Before Kyiv-Proposed Ceasefire The strikes came hours before a proposed ceasefire, with Zelensky condemning Russia’s “utter cynicism” in launching deadly attacks while seeking a brief truce for its May 9 Victory Day parade. OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons and PACE President Petra Bayr also endorsed Zelensky’s appeal, calling on Russia to seize the chance to halt the suffering and return to negotiations. US lawmakers on Tuesday backed Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to demonstrate “good faith” by accepting and respecting it. The Congressional Ukraine Caucus co-chairs – Marcy Kaptur, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Quigley and Joe Wilson – said Democrats and Republicans in Congress remained united in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty. “The path to peace is open. The responsibility to take it rests with the Kremlin,” the statement said. “America stands with the people of Ukraine.” Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.