The leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK made a historic trip to Kyiv to show solidarity with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amidst renewed international calls for Russia to agree to a lasting ceasefire and engage in peace talks. This visit comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the leaders of China and Brazil at Moscow’s Victory Day parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The quartet, consisting of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British and Polish Prime Ministers Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk, arrived in Kyiv for their first trip together since Merz assumed office earlier this month. The leaders held a productive phone conversation with President Donald Trump about peace efforts, with Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiha announcing Ukraine’s readiness for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting on Monday.
In a joint statement issued ahead of the visit, the leaders called for a ceasefire to revitalize US-led negotiations aimed at ending the war. They expressed solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and reiterated their support for Trump’s calls for a peace deal. The leaders urged Russia to stop obstructing efforts for peace and emphasized the need for an end to bloodshed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Ukraine’s efforts to maintain US involvement in resolving the conflict and highlighted the importance of pressuring Russia to engage in peace talks. The leaders discussed the possibility of imposing further sanctions on Russia, including targeting the Nord Stream II consortia.
Despite previous attempts to secure a ceasefire, Putin has not agreed to a 30-day pause in attacks. Recent strikes on Kyiv resulted in civilian casualties, underscoring the urgency of ending the conflict. The European leaders expressed readiness to support talks between Ukraine and Russia and explore options for implementing a ceasefire to pave the way for a lasting peace deal.
Reports indicate that the US, Europe, and Ukraine are finalizing a plan for a 30-day ceasefire, with harsh sanctions on Russia if the Kremlin refuses to comply. The EU called for a full, unconditional ceasefire and announced support for a special tribunal to prosecute Russian officials for war crimes. The UK also announced new sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of vessels involved in oil transportation.
During their visit, the leaders paid tribute to Ukrainian soldiers and discussed plans for a coalition to support Ukraine’s defense and security after a peace agreement. The European leaders will continue discussions virtually to coordinate efforts in rebuilding Ukraine’s military and ensuring long-term security.
This collaborative effort reflects a unified stance against Russia’s aggression and a commitment to supporting Ukraine in its pursuit of peace and security.
