Bloomberg reported that senior European officials are working with the Trump administration to finalize a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine - a move seen as a "last link" before a series of new, more severe sanctions will be triggered if Russia does not make a concession.
The more than three-year conflict in Ukraine could enter a decisive stage, as the Western alliance sends a strong signal to Russia.
According to information sources, the US is leading the initiative to impose a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, with a warning that if Russia violates, it will face "unprecedented" sanctions from the US and its European allies.
President Donald Trump confirmed the news in a post on Truth Social, saying, If the ceasefire is disrespected, the US and its partners will immediately impose additional sanctions.
Having passed the first 100 days of his term, Mr. Trump has not been able to "end the Ukrainian conflict" as promised. Mr Trump has sent special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow for talks, but so far, Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained tough, demanding recognition of control of four Ukrainian territories that have been annexed by Russia.
Chief of the Ukrainian presidential administration Andriy Yermak confirmed that countries such as the US, UK, France, Germany and Nordic countries have strongly supported the 30-day ceasefire plan, and are discussing the timing of imposing extremely strong sanctions if Russia refuses.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt affirmed: " Europe fully agrees with President Trump's proposal".
Diplomats from Europe, the US and Ukraine have held a series of meetings in London, Paris and the Vatican (where Trump met with Zelensky on April 26, where the funeral of Cardinal Francis was held). Here, according to observers, Washington's viewpoint has " apparently shifted to a tougher direction", considering Mr. Putin the biggest obstacle in all peace efforts.
Meanwhile, right before the parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 95th Naive Victory Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suddenly declared his readiness for an immediate unconditional ceasefire. Mr Zelensky made the statement right after a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
Notably, to maintain support from the US, Ukraine has agreed to transfer some of the control of future resource revenues to Washington. Mr Zelensky also discussed the possibility of establishing a "Article 5 of NATO" type of security mechanism - similar to the model Israel received from the US.
According to Bloomberg, proposals from the Trump administration could include: freezing the war at the current border, meaning Russia will still retain much of its controlled territory.
Recognizing Crimea as Russia, in return Ukraine received long-term security guarantees from the US.
End Ukraine's ambition to join NATO.
Assign control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant - Europe's largest nuclear power plant - to the US for neutralization.
