Lammy says Russia must accept ‘unconditional ceasefire’ after US-Europe talks

David Lammy has called on Russia to commit to an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire” following high-level talks in Paris with officials from the US, France, Germany, and Ukraine, aimed at finding a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.

The UK Foreign Secretary traveled to the French capital for the first major meeting of senior British, French, and American officials since Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron each visited Washington in February. While Lammy offered limited specifics about the meetings, he emphasized that the discussions highlight a united approach to maintaining global security.

In attendance were delegations from Germany and Ukraine, including Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak. Representing the United States were Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Lammy stated, “In a volatile world, unity is our strength,” adding that the talks reaffirm the shared goal of achieving peace in Ukraine and stability in the Middle East.

He reiterated that the UK and its allies are committed to working together for a lasting peace and stressed that Russia must take the step of agreeing to a full ceasefire, as Ukraine has already done. This comes after Moscow rejected a ceasefire proposal negotiated between Ukraine and the US last month, stalling progress toward a potential resolution.

In parallel efforts, the UK and France have been working to build a coalition of countries willing to help enforce a truce if one is reached. US officials, including Rubio and Witkoff, also held separate meetings with President Macron. According to the US State Department, the purpose of these talks was to support “President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed” while also advancing shared regional interests.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the importance of continued dialogue and coordination. “It is important that we hear each other, refine and clarify our positions, and work for the sake of real security of Ukraine and all our Europe,” he said, following a second call that day with President Macron. He thanked Macron for his leadership and the productive talks among the delegations in Paris.

Zelensky also reported a deadly drone attack in the city of Dnipro earlier that day, where three people were killed and 28 injured, including four children. He urged continued pressure on Russia to bring an end to the violence and secure lasting peace.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced progress on an economic front. She revealed that Ukraine and the United States have signed a memorandum of intent for an economic partnership agreement. The deal, expected to lead to a more formal agreement soon, includes plans for an investment fund aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Svyrydenko shared images from the virtual signing with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and stated that both sides had recently concluded a round of technical discussions in Washington. She noted the agreement reflects the desire of both American and Ukrainian people to invest in a free and secure Ukraine. The final text is expected to be completed and signed shortly, followed by parliamentary ratification.

Overall, the meetings in Paris mark a renewed push by Western allies to bring the war in Ukraine to an end through diplomacy, unity, and sustained international cooperation.