European Leaders Call for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine During Landmark Visit to Kyiv

European Leaders Call for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine During Landmark Visit to Kyiv

Kyiv, May 10, 2025 — In a historic show of unity, the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland arrived in Kyiv together for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion began more than three years ago. Their joint visit marks a significant diplomatic push to pressure Russia into agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, as a first step toward ending the war.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived via train from neighboring Poland, later joined by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Together, they held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“We have much to do and much to discuss. This war must end through a just peace. We must compel Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.”

The European leaders’ visit coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin delivering a defiant address at a military parade in Moscow commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II victory—an event that further underscored the ongoing tensions.

The visit also follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to pave the way for broader peace negotiations. However, President Putin has yet to respond to the American initiative.

Speaking from Kyiv, Al Jazeera correspondent Jane Basravi noted that while the visit is largely symbolic, it could lead to serious diplomatic talks.

“A key point in these discussions is not only the ceasefire but also how to keep the U.S. firmly engaged in the negotiation process,” she said.

Following their meeting with Zelensky, the four leaders are scheduled to hold a virtual summit with other European leaders to discuss the formation of a potential European post-war security force to support Ukraine’s long-term defense.

Joint Statement for Peace

In a joint pre-visit statement, the European leaders said:

“Together with the United States, we call on Russia to agree to a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire to allow for meaningful talks toward a just and lasting peace.”

The statement added:

“We are ready to discuss technical arrangements for the ceasefire and to support preparations for a comprehensive peace agreement.”

The leaders emphasized that:

“The bloodshed must stop. Russia must end its illegal aggression, and Ukraine must be allowed to prosper as a safe, secure, and sovereign nation within its internationally recognized borders.”

They also pledged to intensify support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Moscow’s war machine unless Russia agrees to a lasting truce.

However, in a televised interview with ABC News, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire, stating:

“Russia will not agree to a ceasefire unless Ukraine’s allies halt their supply of weapons.”