European leaders have made it clear that they will not comply with President Donald Trump's plan to help Russia re-enter the world market and lift international sanctions until Moscow ends its illegal war – essentially killing the Black Sea truce in the water.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration touted negotiations with Ukraine and Russia and said both countries agreed to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea – but the Kremlin later confirmed that it only depends on lifting international economic restrictions.
“Russia has no right to provide Ukrainian support and should not set conditions,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday night, as he stood with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday night.
Russia, Ukraine agrees to agree to a ceasefire in the Black Sea after we talk
European officials attended the “Ukrainian Peace and Security Conference” at Elysee Palace in Paris on March 27, 2025. (Reuters via Reuters/Swimming Pool)
Macron said it was too early to discuss any relief for sanctions, with EU officials confirming to Fox News digitally that sanctions remain a major tool for exploitation as the Kremlin continues to list requirements and that European leaders will not give up easily.
Macron added: “Ultimately, sanctions are only dependent on Russia's choice of aggression, so their promotion is only dependent on Russia's choice of compliance with international law.”
Leaders from 30 countries and NATO heads will be held in Paris on Thursday as part of a French-led “Willing Alliance” that was led after Trump re-entered the White House and amid concerns that the United States will no longer be considered a reliable partner in Ukraine or Europe.
The United States has not been invited to the international summit, which is of the same kind, which does include leaders from Poland, Italy and Türkiye.
Although France and Britain, which are obvious bastions of a new base for support for Ukraine, have been moving towards maintaining positive relations with the United States and becoming a geopolitical sphere of reality changing in Europe.
Macron reportedly spoke with Trump ahead of the summit on Wednesday, and Britain reiterated its commitment on Thursday that “dedicated to “supporting the United States to make real progress despite continued confusion in Russia.”
“Unlike President Zelenskyy, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin shows he is not a serious player in these peace talks,” Keir Starmer said in a statement ahead of Thursday’s summit. “Although all parties have good intentions, they said in a statement ahead of Thursday’s summit: “Despite the consented naval ceasefire.”
NATO leader warns Putin not to attack Poland, saying revenge will be “destructive”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed a meeting at a meeting held at the Elysee Palace in Paris on March 27, 2025. (Reuters via Reuters/Swimming Pool)
“His commitment is hollow,” the statement added. “The United States plays a leadership role by convening a ceasefire negotiation, President Zelenskyy repeatedly proves his commitment, and Europe is stepping up its efforts to defend Ukraine's future.
“Now Putin needs to show that he is willing to play,” Stamer said.
France promised another $2.1 billion for Kiev in its ongoing struggle with Russia on Wednesday, and is expected to announce a promise of more support on Thursday.
The White House did not respond to Fox News figures about the apparent collapse of the Black Sea ceasefire.
President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan on June 28, 2019. (Kremlin Press Office/Handout/anadolu agent/Getty image)
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Although following the Kremlin’s list of economic relief needs earlier this week, a White House spokesman said: “Our engagement continues. We agree that both sides have reached an effort with both sides to resolve hostilities.”
“The Russians are in contact with us … making demands for more negotiations,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesman added: “President Trump believes in diplomacy and gives diplomacy all opportunities to succeed.”
