A 30-day ceasefire proposal between Russia and Ukraine has gained momentum, with European leaders urging Russia to agree to an unconditional truce starting Monday or face “new and massive” sanctions. The proposal, initially floated by the US in March, has been endorsed by world leaders, including UK’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Poland’s Donald Tusk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded with a counter-proposal, suggesting direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey next Thursday. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that a ceasefire must come first, saying, “There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire — full, lasting and reliable — starting tomorrow.”

Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, reiterated that Kyiv will only engage in talks if Moscow agrees to the ceasefire, stating, “First, a 30-day ceasefire, then everything else.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to host the negotiations, telling Putin that a “window of opportunity” has opened for peace.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Turkey around the time of the proposed meeting, joining an informal gathering of NATO foreign ministers to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, fighting continues, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the recent truce.

Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik expressed skepticism about Putin’s offer, saying Russia hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to end the war. “Once you take out a knife in a fight, you need to go ahead and show Russia that the West means business,” she said, calling for Western allies to stand firm and support Ukraine with arms.

Pope Leo XIV has also weighed in, calling for “no more war” in his first Sunday message. US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “A BIG week upcoming!” and expressed his desire to see an end to the conflict, saying he wants to stop the “bloodbath” between Russia and Ukraine.