The crisis surrounding the future ceasefire in Ukraine has escalated once again: the leaders of the “Coalition of Determined” states have explicitly rejected any previous Russian demands regarding the conditions for halting hostilities
The meeting of G7 representatives in Kyiv, coordinated by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, marked a pivotal moment in the tense diplomatic struggle to determine the terms of peace. It was unequivocally stated that there will be no compromises regarding earlier conditions for initiating a ceasefire. They emphasized firmly and without a shadow of doubt that the key goal is an unconditional ceasefire that must begin immediately and last for at least 30 days, without any prior demands or restrictions. According to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the situation in recent hours has become even more tense due to the conditions set forth by the Kremlin, particularly the requirement to stop military supplies from the West to Ukraine as a prerequisite for a possible ceasefire. However, the British leader clearly stated: "We emphasize an unconditional ceasefire. Putin has put forward proposals with a whole range of additional conditions, but we don't care — we demand an open and indefinite truce. It must cover not only land war but also maritime and air operations. This should be a monitored ceasefire, with troop withdrawals and a return to the control line. That is our goal, and everyone willing to support this effort can contribute." In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron, in his speech, highlighted the principled consistency of the European Union and France on this matter: "We categorically reject any possible concessions. No prior conditions regarding arms supplies or other aspects — none! We clearly and consistently declare that if Russia insists on its demands, it will face additional sanctions and strengthened support for Ukraine." Macron emphasized that an unconditional ceasefire is not just a signed agreement but a comprehensive process that will enable Ukraine to regain its positions and ensure a necessary and just peace. This statement was a response to earlier remarks by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who recently stressed that Russia would demand the future cessation of American and European arms supplies to Ukraine if the parties sign any ceasefire. Such an approach by the Kremlin provoked a sharp reaction from the West: the European Union and the United States assured that if Russia refuses to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, they are prepared for even greater sanctions and increased military support for Ukraine. Background to these events includes tense diplomatic rhetoric, notably statements by Russian representatives. Kremlin officials, including Dmitry Peskov, previously emphasized that without unconditional guarantees from Russia regarding the lifting of sanctions and cessation of aid to Ukraine, the theoretical option of a ceasefire remains unlikely. Meanwhile, the coalition summit held on May 10 urged Russia from May 12 to begin an unconditional and prolonged ceasefire lasting 30 days. This has become one of the main demands of coalition countries, and the collective stance is clear: nothing should stand as a condition for peace except a mutually agreed and mandatory cessation of hostilities. The significance of these events cannot be overstated: the political will of the West and Ukraine to firmly refuse concessions to the Kremlin undermines any attempts by Russia to once again exploit diplomatic processes to weaken sanctions or resume hostilities on more favorable terms. In the coming weeks, diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify, along with possible sanctions tightening. Experts note that this situation once again confirms that the resolution of the conflict depends on Russia's willingness to make principled concessions, while Europe and the U.S. remain united in supporting Ukraine and its sovereignty. Thus, the situation remains tense, but the key leaders of the "Golden Billion" have unanimously agreed: any agreement with Russia is only possible under the conditions of an unconditional ceasefire and a return to the de facto border, without any prior demands that could disrupt or delay the peace process. This has sent a clear signal to Moscow at a time when diplomacy faces one of its most challenging moments since the onset of the full-scale invasion.