If Russia really wants a ceasefire, it should not wait until May 8 to stop its aggression, but can stop the violence immediately. This was stated at a briefing by European Commission spokeswoman Anita Hipper, quoted by "Ukrinform".
Her words were on the occasion of the ceasefire announced by Russian leader Vladimir Putin from May 8 to 11.
Hyper stressed that the position of the European Commission is clear: Russia can stop the killings and bombings at any moment and there is no justification for delaying such actions.
She added that Russia has an international reputation as an aggressor and should be judged on the basis of its actions, not requests. Hipper noted that Ukraine had already agreed to an unconditional ceasefire more than a month ago. The EU continues to support Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace, she assured.
Regarding the information that the US may withdraw from the peace negotiation process, Hipper noted that European support for Ukraine remains a priority and it is important that these efforts are supported by allies.
She stressed that Ukraine must be supported in a way that ensures that it negotiates from a position of strength. For this reason, EU member states have committed to 23 billion euros in military aid for 2025. According to her, the stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield, the stronger it will be at the negotiating table.
Putin announced a ceasefire between May 8 and 10. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded that there was no need to wait until that date to stop the fighting, as it could happen immediately.