French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposal jointly put forward by the United States and Ukraine, as efforts to end the ongoing war in Eastern Europe intensify.
In a statement made on Friday, March 14, Macron disclosed that he held discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to review diplomatic progress and reinforce support for peace initiatives.
Zelenskyy, in his nightly video address, confirmed the talks with Macron, highlighting that both leaders reviewed the state of diplomacy, the technical framework for enforcing a ceasefire, and possible peace outcomes.
“In all these matters, we have clear support from France,” the Ukrainian leader affirmed.
Taking to X, Macron stressed the urgency for Moscow to accept the proposed truce. “Russia must now accept the U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
The Russian aggression in Ukraine must end. The atrocities must stop. So must the delaying statements,” he posted.
He also noted that a recent meeting in Jeddah between U.S. and Ukrainian officials showed significant diplomatic strides, and emphasized that continued collaboration among international partners is key to securing a lasting resolution.
Macron revealed that a high-level military dialogue took place in Paris earlier in the week, involving about forty chiefs of defence staff.
He added that efforts will continue through a scheduled videoconference involving Prime Minister Starmer, President Zelenskyy, and other international partners to reinforce support for Ukraine and pursue sustainable peace.