Macron Urges Unconditional Ceasefire in Ukraine Amid Diplomatic Talks

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Saturday that Ukraine is prepared to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, urging Russia to take reciprocal steps toward ending the war. His remarks followed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, where world leaders had gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis.

Macron described the discussion as "very positive" in a post on X, emphasizing shared efforts with the U.S. and European allies to achieve peace. "Ending the war in Ukraine—that is the goal we share with President Trump," Macron said.

"President Zelensky reiterated to me today that Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire," Macron added. "Now, it is up to President Putin to demonstrate that he truly seeks peace."

France remains committed to supporting Ukraine through the Coalition of the Willing, a diplomatic initiative launched in March to coordinate international efforts for a lasting resolution.

Trump Questions Putin’s Willingness for Peace

U.S. President Donald Trump cast doubt on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions after meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the funeral. In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested Putin may not be serious about ending the conflict, citing recent Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

"There’s no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas," Trump wrote. "Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war—he’s just tapping me along."

The White House characterized Trump’s 15-minute meeting with Zelensky as "very productive," while the Ukrainian leader called it "very symbolic" and potentially historic. The two had last met in February in a tense Oval Office exchange, where Trump insisted Ukraine lacked leverage in negotiations.

The Kremlin, however, stated on Saturday that Putin was ready for direct talks with Ukraine "without preconditions," following discussions with Trump’s envoy.

Diplomatic Push Amid Funeral Gatherings

Zelensky’s visit to Rome included separate talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Macron later met with Zelensky at the French embassy, reiterating their shared objective of ending the war.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer and Zelensky discussed progress toward a "just and lasting peace," agreeing to maintain momentum in diplomatic efforts.

Kiev has faced mounting pressure from Trump to consider territorial concessions, including ceding Crimea—a demand Zelensky has long rejected. However, the Ukrainian leader hinted at flexibility in recent remarks, telling the BBC that an unconditional ceasefire could pave the way for broader negotiations.

As world leaders departed Rome, the focus remained on whether diplomatic momentum could translate into tangible steps toward ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades