Kyiv pitched EU foreign ministers in Brussels on a "mutual airport ceasefire" with Russia, Politico reported. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha framed the proposal as a narrow first step, given that broader peace efforts have stalled. He argued Moscow has an incentive to engage as Russian airports become vulnerable to Ukrainian long-range strikes.
"Maybe we would try to achieve a so-called airport ceasefire"
Sybiha floated the idea on the sidelines of an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on 11 May.
"We probably need a new role of Europe in our peace efforts," he told Politico. "Maybe we would try to resolve or to achieve a so-called airport ceasefire." He suggested European allies could establish "a platform, or maybe an ad hoc group" to discuss it.
Germany views Putin’s Schröder ceasefire proposal part of Russia’s hybrid strategy aimed at dividing West. It could consider him on one condition
Ukraine is not asking Europe to replace Washington, Sybiha said. The proposal should be "complementary" to US-led diplomacy, with Europe speaking with "one voice." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already discussed the idea with some European leaders.
Why Russia might engage: Sheremetyevo and Pulkovo under threat
Russia's major airports — Moscow's Sheremetyevo and St Petersburg's Pulkovo — are "increasingly vulnerable" to Ukrainian long-range attacks, Sybiha argued.
Moscow's airport hub has experienced repeated disruptions throughout 2025 and 2026 due to Ukrainian drone activity. Most recently, all four Moscow airports faced delays and cancellations for several days starting 5 May. The disruption followed Russia's breach of the proposed ceasefire.
Europe weighs a more direct role
Several European leaders have argued for a more direct role in Ukraine diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron has floated direct talks with Putin. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told Welt am Sonntag Europe should have a seat at the talks. Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama called refusing to engage with Russia a strategic mistake.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas opened the door Monday to discussion. EU foreign ministers will take up Europe's role later this month, she said.
Schröder, Seagal, and Depardieu
Earlier Monday, Kallas dismissed Putin's suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could mediate on Europe's behalf. She noted Schröder's long history of employment with Russian state-owned companies. He would "sit on both sides of the table," Kallas said.
Sybiha joked that Putin might as well nominate American action-movie star Steven Seagal or French actor Gérard Depardieu — both are Russian passport holders and prominent supporters of Putin's Russia.
