The potential month-long ceasefire in Ukraine proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is intended to test Russia’s readiness to end the conflict.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.

Mr Macron said he and Mr Starmer proposed a month-long ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

However, the French president said the proposal does not address the situation on the ground, as the length of the front line makes it difficult to verify compliance with the ceasefire.

“This ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure will allow us to verify the good faith of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that was when real peace negotiations will begin,” he said.

Mr Barrot told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that “first of all, this is a way to test whether Russia really wants to put an end to this war.’’

During a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council in January, Mr Putin said the goal in resolving the Ukraine conflict should be long-term peace.

Mr Putin was opposed to a short ceasefire that would enable the Ukrainian military to regroup and rearm to continue the conflict.

(RIA/NAN)