France and Germany Collaborate on 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire
PARIS (Reuters) - France and Germany are in close contact in their unwavering support for Ukraine and will continue to work towards a 30-day ceasefire, French president Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday, speaking alongside new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Elysee palace.
"There is only one question that needs to be answered: is Russia ready for a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days in order to be able to build a solid and lasting ceasefire? Will the Russian president be, at last, true to his word, in particular the one given during talks with the U.S. administration ?, Macron said.
Merz said for his part he was hopeful that a permanent ceasefire could be agreed soon for Ukraine but held back on making any commitments for Ukraine's security.
"We will be there to accompany this 30-day cease fire and build a lasting and solid peace. And we (France and Germany) are in close contact," Macron added.
(Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing byDominique Vidalon)
