The People are very impressive in the parade but their hardware is nothing compared to the weapons of NATO.

International • 18:20 • Modified at 18:23
'Trump distances himself from Putin again'
Author : Lotte van Coevorden
The 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine, which is supported by Europe, Ukraine and the US, shows that Europe has managed to get the US on their side for the time being. 'It is clear that Trump is now seeking distance from Putin', says Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German leader Friedrich Merz, British leader Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, dubbed the "coalition of the willing," met in Kyiv today. ( ANP/AFP )

French President Emmanuel Macron, German leader Friedrich Merz, British leader Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, dubbed the “coalition of the willing,” met in Kyiv today. They met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, who voiced support for the European proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which is set to take effect on Monday.

But how exactly Trump will respond to the proposal is still unclear. 'In Europe, heavy sanctions have been announced if Russia does not want to cooperate. From the US, Trump seems to be adopting a wait-and-see attitude for the time being. But of course you can never know exactly what Trump will post on social media,' says Hahn.

'The ball is now in Russia's court'
Geert Jan Hahn, European reporter BNR
At the same time, according to the Europa correspondent, this is a strong signal of unity within the NATO bloc and solidarity with Ukraine. 'NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also responded positively.' Rutte attended an online meeting today, which was an addition to the physical visit of the European leaders to Kyiv. 'These are clearly the most important countries that, together with the US, are pushing for a ceasefire from Monday,' says Hahn. 'And now the ball is in Russia's court.'

'Proposal is confrontational'
Russia has already responded to the proposal, but does not seem willing to accept a ceasefire under Western conditions. 'The Kremlin calls the proposal confrontational, especially because of the threat of severe sanctions if Russia does not cooperate, which shows that they are not very keen on it,' says Hahn. 'At the same time, Russia has also made a proposal for a ceasefire, which should be in effect at this point. However, both countries report that fighting is still taking place; that shows that it is not working.'

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According to Hahn, Russia should therefore give the proposal of the European leaders, Ukraine and the US a chance. 'But Russia seems to feel pressured and is holding off. Perhaps they also hope that the US will eventually be willing to seek rapprochement again.'

Funeral of Pope Francis
The Pope's funeral, 'where Trump and Zelensky sat knee-to-knee on those little chairs in St. Peter's Basilica', turned out to be a golden move, Hahn thinks. 'Since then, the relationship has improved, they've called, and now this is the result. It was a big risk, but for now it seems worth it.'

Finally Russia makes a step still a long way though.

Putin calls for 'direct talks' with Ukraine

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce821nl3251o

'Russian economy worse than Moscow admits'
Author : ANP
The Russian economy is in much worse shape than the Russians themselves say, according to EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis (Economy). Research by the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics, which was discussed at a meeting of EU finance ministers on Tuesday, shows this. 'Their analysis highlights the unreliability of Russian statistics. The Russian economy is not performing as well as the official statistics suggest,' Dombrovskis said afterwards.

The vulnerability of the Russian economy is increasing, the analysis shows. According to Dombrovskis, this underscores the importance of measures taken by the international community "to limit the Kremlin's ability to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine."

A seventeenth package of sanctions against Russia is currently being worked on. Each new package requires the approval of all 27 member states. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get Hungary on board.

Fossil fuels
According to the European Commissioner, Russia's economic prospects depend primarily on the export of fossil fuels. According to him, limiting exports is the most effective way to 'reduce the source of income for the Russian war machine'.

An increasing share of Russia's budget is financed by taxes, not by oil or gas revenues, Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Doma?ski added. "When you know that the Russian economy is getting weaker, you know that sanctions work. That can encourage further action if necessary."

The European Commission wants to stop all EU imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

Heavy losses on the Russian side also.

I agree with Rutte what the current American government has achieved already since January is amazing they take the lead and hopefully the world will be more peaceful.