The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, has issued a direct challenge to Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to take decisive action toward ending the war in Ukraine. Kyiv has agreed to a US-brokered 30-day ceasefire, a crucial step toward negotiating a permanent peace deal.
The United States swiftly lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the nation. However, as US officials prepare to present the proposal to Moscow, early reactions from the Kremlin suggest resistance to the plan.
European Leaders Unite in Call for Peace
European defence ministers convened in Paris on Wednesday to coordinate their response to the ongoing crisis. Following the high-stakes discussions, the UK Defence Secretary Healey delivered a strong message to Putin:
“I say to President Putin, over to you now. You say you want to talk. Prove it. Accept the ceasefire, start negotiations, and end the war. Make no mistake, the pressure is now on Putin.”
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The UK Defence Secretary emphasized that European allies are more unified than ever, reinforcing the importance of NATO and continued support for Ukraine.
“In the coming weeks, you will see European allies coming ever closer together because our security is shared, and our strength relies on that unwavering commitment to each other,” the UK Defence Secretary stated.
Trump Threatens Russia with Severe Sanctions
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has warned Russia of severe financial consequences if it refuses to accept the ceasefire deal. Speaking on the matter, Trump declared:
“There are things that wouldn’t be pleasant in a financial sense. I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace.”
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