[Macron: Pressure on Russia will be increased in the coming two weeks to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine]
On April 28, during an interview with Paris Match, French President Macron was asked how close a ceasefire in Ukraine was. He expressed his hope for an immediate ceasefire but also pointed out the need for caution as part of the solution depends on Moscow's stance. The next two weeks will be decisive for the efforts made towards achieving a ceasefire and increasing pressure on Russia. He believes he has successfully persuaded the U.S. to recognize the necessity of forcing Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. "I think I have convinced the Americans that there is a threat of escalation and perhaps sanctions can force the Russians to accept a ceasefire."
On April 28, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitte stated that U.S. President Trump "is increasingly disappointed with the actions of Ukraine and Russia" and looks forward to a comprehensive ceasefire. She said that Trump believes that both sides of Russia and Ukraine need to negotiate to resolve the crisis.
On the same day, Putin announced a ceasefire during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The ceasefire mechanism will take effect at midnight on May 8 and last until midnight on May 11. Moscow hopes Kiev will follow suit. According to the Kremlin's statement, if Ukrainian troops violate the ceasefire agreement, Russian armed forces will respond appropriately and effectively.
On April 27, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Moscow is ready to seek a balance of interests on the Ukrainian issue.
Russia has repeatedly emphasized that Moscow hopes for lasting peace in Ukraine, but only by eliminating the root causes of the conflict can the conflict be resolved. Putin pointed out that one of the main conditions for ending the special military operation is to stop providing Western weapons to Ukrainian forces.
In addition, the Kremlin noted that in any case, Russia will achieve its goals through peaceful or military means. Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian president, reminded that to end the special military operation, the Kiev regime must withdraw its troops from the territories of the newly integrated regions of New Russia and the Donbas that have been returned to Russia.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830691292760076/
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