European leaders visit Kyiv to discuss ceasefire proposal

Office of the President of Ukraine

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Poland met with Ukraine’s President in Kyiv to support a proposed 30-day ceasefire, amid diplomatic efforts involving the US and Europe aimed at reducing hostilities in the conflict with Russia.

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Poland arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, supporting efforts to propose a 30-day ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Ukraine jointly for the first time. Their arrival follows a Victory Day parade in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted several international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to a French diplomatic source, the ceasefire proposal, backed by the United States and European nations, is not yet finalised. If rejected by Moscow, the plan could result in additional coordinated sanctions.

In a joint statement, the four visiting leaders urged Russia to agree to a “full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire” to allow space for negotiations aimed at establishing a lasting peace.

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Poland arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, supporting efforts to propose a 30-day ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Ukraine jointly for the first time. Their arrival follows a Victory Day parade in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted several international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to a French diplomatic source, the ceasefire proposal, backed by the United States and European nations, is not yet finalised. If rejected by Moscow, the plan could result in additional coordinated sanctions.

In a joint statement, the four visiting leaders urged Russia to agree to a “full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire” to allow space for negotiations aimed at establishing a lasting peace.

The diplomatic developments come as US President Donald Trump pursues a shift in approach to the war. After previous tensions, the Trump administration has resumed military aid to Ukraine and signed an agreement on mineral resources cooperation. President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of ceasefire progress and has suggested additional sanctions could be considered. He has also said that he may end US-led peace efforts if no advancement is made.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is prepared to implement the proposed ceasefire immediately. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that Russia supports the idea of a ceasefire but noted that certain conditions and details need to be addressed.

Meanwhile, some European leaders have reiterated support for a potential tribunal to investigate actions related to the war. President Zelenskyy criticised Russia’s Victory Day event, while Russian officials highlighted international participation.

Ahead of the summit, the US Embassy in Kyiv issued a warning about the possibility of a significant air attack and advised American citizens to be prepared to seek shelter if necessary.

Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak shared photos of the leaders’ arrival and emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to achieve peace. The four leaders are expected to visit a memorial honouring Ukrainian soldiers and participate in a virtual meeting to discuss future support for Ukraine’s security and reconstruction efforts.

The visit took place at the end of a temporary ceasefire declared by Russia from May 8–10, which Ukraine did not recognise. Both sides have accused each other of violating that truce.

German Chancellor Merz said on Friday that the outcome of the current diplomatic push now depends on decisions made by Moscow regarding the ceasefire proposal.

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