Ukraine urges fast-tracking of peace efforts with allies

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Thursday urged swift action to secure a ceasefire with Russia, emphasizing the need for increased international pressure following a day of high-level talks in Paris with US and European partners.

After meetings with French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and German official Gunter Sautter, Sybiha said all sides acknowledged progress in peace efforts and reaffirmed the need for American leadership in the process.

“Ukraine is committed to peace efforts and wants the war to end as soon as possible,” he said, stressing that Kyiv had unconditionally accepted a full interim ceasefire on March 11 in Jeddah.

“It needs to be done as soon as possible,” he said. “I stressed that increased pressure on Russia is critical for achieving a fair and lasting peace.”

Sybiha reiterated Ukraine’s principled stance in the broader peace framework and said discussions also focused on long-term security guarantees and the next steps for the so-called "coalition of the willing."

“I am grateful to France, Germany, and the UK for their unwavering support and efforts to achieve a lasting peace,” he added.

ISTANBUL

“Ukraine is committed to peace efforts and wants the war to end as soon as possible,” he said, stressing that Kyiv had unconditionally accepted a full interim ceasefire on March 11 in Jeddah.

“It needs to be done as soon as possible,” he said. “I stressed that increased pressure on Russia is critical for achieving a fair and lasting peace.”

“I am grateful to France, Germany, and the UK for their unwavering support and efforts to achieve a lasting peace,” he added.