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European leaders have made clear they will not adhere to President Donald Trump’s plans to help Russia re-enter the world market and lift international sanctions until Moscow ends its illegal war – essentially rendering the Black Sea truce dead in the water.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration touted its negotiations with Ukraine and Russia and said both nations had agreed to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea – but the Kremlin later confirmed this was only contingent on the removal of international economic restrictions.
“Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions,” French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly said while standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Wednesday night.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak during a meeting at Elysee Palace in Paris, March 27, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool via Reuters)
“His promises are hollow,” the statement added. “The U.S. is playing a leading role by convening the ceasefire talks, President Zelenskyy has demonstrated his commitment repeatedly, and Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend Ukraine’s future.
“Now Putin needs to show he’s willing to play ball,” Starmer said.
France on Wednesday pledged another $2.1 billion for Kyiv in its continued fight against Russia, and more pledges of support are expected to be announced Thursday.
The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s questions on the apparent collapse of the Black Sea ceasefire.
President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019. (Kremlin Press Office/Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Though earlier in the week, following the Kremlin’s list of economic relief demands, a spokesperson for the White House said, “Our engagement is continuing. We agreed on language with both parties in our work towards a cessation of hostilities.”
The spokesperson said “the Russians engaged us…with requests for more negotiations.”
“President Trump believes in diplomacy and in giving diplomacy every chance to succeed,” the spokesperson added.
