Kyyiv: In a significant diplomatic gesture, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom traveled together to Kyiv, where they were received by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Their visit coincided with a solemn ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, during which the leaders paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Kyiv’s Independence Square by laying flowers at a temporary memorial.
The visit also marked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first trip to Ukraine since assuming office. Accompanying the European leaders in their diplomatic efforts, U.S. President Donald Trump has joined them in urging Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate peace negotiations. Although Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce in March, Russia has continued to demand conditions more favorable to its interests.
In a joint statement, the European leaders reaffirmed their support for President Trump’s calls for a peace agreement. They appealed to Russia to cease obstructing efforts to achieve a lasting resolution. "Together with the United States, we demand that Russia immediately consent to a comprehensive, unconditional 30-day ceasefire to provide space for negotiations on a fair and enduring peace," the statement read.
Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to President Zelenskyy, emphasized the urgency of peace in a Telegram message, saying, "There is much work to be done and numerous issues to discuss. Our objective is to achieve a just peace by compelling Moscow to agree to a ceasefire."
The European leaders and President Zelenskyy are expected to participate in a virtual conference later today, updating other international leaders on their progress. This meeting is also likely to focus on forming a potential "coalition of the willing" — a group of nations prepared to support Ukraine’s defense post-peace deal and potentially deploy troops to ensure the stability of any future agreement with Russia.
