EU Leaders React to Ukraine's Acceptance of U.S.-Proposed Ceasefire

On March 11, European leaders reacted to Ukraine’s decision to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, following talks between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Saudi Arabia. Several high-ranking officials emphasized that the next step now depends on Russia’s response.

French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the development, stating that “the ball is now clearly in Russia’s court.” He reaffirmed France’s commitment, alongside its partners, to securing a solid and lasting peace backed by robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the agreement, calling it a “remarkable breakthrough” and extending his congratulations to both U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“I warmly welcome the agreement today in Jeddah and congratulate President Trump and President Zelenskyy for this remarkable breakthrough. This is an important moment for peace in Ukraine, and we now all need to redouble our efforts to get to a lasting and secure peace as soon as possible. As both American and Ukrainian delegations have said, the ball is now in the Russian court. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire and an end to the fighting too.”

Starmer added that he will convene a virtual meeting of countries supporting the ceasefire to discuss next steps. “We are ready to help bring an end to this war in a just and permanent way that allows Ukraine to enjoy its freedom.”

European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement describing the development as “a positive step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine.”

“The ball is now in Russia’s court. The EU is ready to play its full part, together with its partners, in the upcoming peace negotiations.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed similar sentiments, stating that Europe is prepared to support efforts for a just and lasting peace.

Posting on X, Tusk wrote: “It seems like the Americans and Ukrainians have taken an important step towards peace. And Europe stands ready to help reach a just and lasting peace.”

On March 11, Ukraine expressed its readiness to consider a U.S.-proposed 30-day temporary ceasefire, which could be extended by mutual agreement if Russia also agrees and implements the terms simultaneously.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.