European Leaders Meet In Ukraine’s Capital, Demand Russia’s Unconditional 30-day Ceasefire
European Leaders Meet In Ukraine’s Capital, Demand Russia’s Unconditional 30-day Ceasefire
French President, Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, travelled together by train from Poland to Kyiv, later joined by the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk.
In a major diplomatic push on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, European leaders convened in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv on Saturday, where they called out Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
The European leaders threatened “massive sanctions” if Moscow fails to comply with their demand, according to Al Jazeera.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, travelled together by train from Poland to Kyiv, later joined by the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk.
The visit marked the first joint mission by leaders of these four European nations to Ukraine.
In a joint press conference with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leaders underscored their unified demand for an immediate halt to hostilities.
The proposed ceasefire, covering land, sea, and air operations, is seen as a critical step toward ending the three-year conflict.
Macron warned that the European bloc is prepared to escalate sanctions, specifically targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors, should Putin refuse the proposal.
He also floated the idea of deploying foreign troops as a reassurance measure, saying, “The United States would take the lead in monitoring a proposed ceasefire, with support from European countries.”
Starmer delivered a sharp rebuke, stating, “Only one country started this illegal conflict, and that was Russia and Putin, and only one country stands in the way of resolving it peacefully, and that is Russia and Putin.”
Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, highlighted the visit’s significance, saying, “There is a lot of work to do, a lot of topics to discuss.
“We must end this war with a just peace. We must force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire,” Al Jazeera reports.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed the European leaders’ demands, describing it as confrontational.
Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly said, “We hear many contradictory statements from Europe.
“They are generally confrontational in nature rather than aimed at trying to revive our relations. Nothing more.”
The call for a ceasefire is also backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has proposed the 30-day halt as a foundation for peace negotiations.
However, Putin has so far resisted international pressure.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reiterated Kyiv’s readiness, saying, “Our country and its allies are ready for a full, unconditional ceasefire with Russia for at least 30 days starting on Monday.”
The visit came a day after Putin struck a defiant tone during a military parade in Moscow commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II victory, underscoring the entrenched tensions.
Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, reporting from Kyiv, noted that while the visit was “symbolic,” it also involved practical efforts to ensure U.S. engagement in future peace talks.
After the meetings, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the five leaders held a phone call with Trump to coordinate their peace strategy.
Sybiha emphasized on X, “If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a durable ceasefire and confidence-building measures can pave the way to peace negotiations.”
The leaders issued a joint statement stressing their commitment, saying, “Alongside the US, we call on Russia to agree [to] a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace.
“We are ready to support peace talks as soon as possible, to discuss technical implementation of the ceasefire, and prepare for a full peace deal.”
They noted, “The bloodshed must end, Russia must stop its illegal invasion, and Ukraine must be able to prosper as a safe, secure and sovereign nation within its internationally recognised borders for generations to come.”
