European leaders have rejected President Trump’s proposal to ease sanctions on Russia and allow its return to the global market, asserting that such actions will not occur until Moscow ceases its illegal war. This stance effectively undermines the Black Sea ceasefire.
Earlier in the week, the Trump administration highlighted its negotiations, stating that both parties had agreed to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea. However, the Kremlin clarified that this agreement was conditional upon the removal of international economic sanctions.
French President Macron, alongside Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Wednesday, stated, “Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions.”
Macron deemed it “much too early” to discuss sanction relief, and EU officials confirmed that sanctions remain a crucial tool that European leaders are unwilling to relinquish easily.
Macron added, “Ultimately, sanctions depend solely on Russia’s choice of aggression, and therefore, their lifting depends solely on Russia’s choice to comply with international law.”
Leaders from France, the U.K., and the head of NATO convened in Paris on Thursday as part of the “coalition of the willing,” initiated after Trump’s return to the White House amid concerns about the U.S.’s reliability as a partner for Ukraine and Europe.
The U.S. was not invited to the summit, the third of its kind, which included leaders from Poland, Italy, and Turkey.
France and the U.K. are striving to maintain positive relations with the U.S. amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe.
Macron reportedly spoke before the summit on Wednesday, and the U.K. reaffirmed its commitment on Thursday to “back U.S. efforts to make real progress despite continued Russian obfuscation.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated ahead of the Thursday summit, “Unlike President Zelenskyy, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has shown he’s in these peace talks, playing games with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea despite good-faith participation from all sides.”
“His promises are hollow,” the statement continued. “The U.S. is playing a leading role by convening the ceasefire talks, President Zelenskyy has demonstrated his commitment repeatedly, and Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend Ukraine’s future.”
“Now Putin needs to show he’s willing to play ball,” Starmer concluded.
France pledged an additional $2.1 billion to Kyiv on Wednesday to support its ongoing fight against Russia, with further pledges expected to be announced on Thursday.
The White House has not responded to questions regarding the apparent failure of the Black Sea ceasefire.
However, earlier in the week, following the Kremlin’s demands for economic relief, a White House spokesperson stated, “Our engagement is continuing. We agreed on language with both parties in our work towards a cessation of hostilities.”
The spokesperson added, “the Russians engaged us…with requests for more negotiations.”
“President Trump believes in diplomacy and in giving diplomacy every chance to succeed,” the spokesperson concluded.
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