Ukraine wants to conclude an “airport ceasefire” with Russia

According to the Ukrainian side, such a move would give European leaders a concrete role in the diplomatic process amid a slowdown in U.S.-mediated negotiations, Politico reports.

Putin may have an incentive to join such an agreement, as major Russian hubs - in particular, Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow and Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg—are becoming increasingly vulnerable to strikes by Ukrainian long-range weapons.

“We probably need a new role for Europe in our peace efforts. Perhaps we could try to resolve this issue or reach a so-called airport truce. Perhaps if our European allies created a platform or, say, a special group, we could discuss this,” said Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga.

Kyiv is not asking Europe to replace Washington. On the contrary, according to Sibiga, any European efforts should reinforce the diplomatic process led by the U.S. and avoid creating competing tracks.

“This should be an additional track—not in place of something, not as an alternative,” Sibiga emphasized, adding that Europe must speak “with one voice.”

Photo: detector.media.