The first joint trip of Germany, France, Britain, and Poland to Kyiv aims to strengthen European solidarity and push for peace negotiations.
European Leaders Unite in Historic Visit to Ukraine for Cease-Fire Talks
European Leaders Unite in Historic Visit to Ukraine for Cease-Fire Talks
Four powers extend support to Ukraine while calling for a 30-day stop to hostilities with Russia.
On Saturday, a significant diplomatic event is set to unfold as the leaders of four major European nations — Germany, France, Britain, and Poland — embark on a historic joint visit to Kyiv. This unprecedented trip is designed to demonstrate their unwavering support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia and to advocate for a 30-day cease-fire.
The leaders — Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland — will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This marks Merz's first visit as German Chancellor, and the first-ever collective visit by these European leaders to Ukraine.
The visit arrives on the heels of a high-profile military parade in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the leaders of China, Brazil, and other nations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. This parade aimed to showcase Russia’s ambition in redefining a new global order that diverges from Western influence.
As they prepared for their visit, the four European leaders echoed U.S. President Trump's earlier call for a 30-day cease-fire, initially proposed in March. While Ukraine has shown willingness to engage with this proposal, Russia has been resistant, preferring to settle terms for a peace agreement prior to any suspension of hostilities.
In a joint statement released late Friday, the four countries reiterated their support for Trump’s peace initiative and urged Russia to cease its obstructionist tactics. “We are united in our demand for Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day cease-fire, allowing for productive discussions on achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace,” they stated.
The leaders — Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland — will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This marks Merz's first visit as German Chancellor, and the first-ever collective visit by these European leaders to Ukraine.
The visit arrives on the heels of a high-profile military parade in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the leaders of China, Brazil, and other nations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. This parade aimed to showcase Russia’s ambition in redefining a new global order that diverges from Western influence.
As they prepared for their visit, the four European leaders echoed U.S. President Trump's earlier call for a 30-day cease-fire, initially proposed in March. While Ukraine has shown willingness to engage with this proposal, Russia has been resistant, preferring to settle terms for a peace agreement prior to any suspension of hostilities.
In a joint statement released late Friday, the four countries reiterated their support for Trump’s peace initiative and urged Russia to cease its obstructionist tactics. “We are united in our demand for Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day cease-fire, allowing for productive discussions on achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace,” they stated.
