In an impressive display of solidarity, British, French, German, and Polish leaders journeyed to Kyiv on Saturday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This came after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, where he welcomed close allies to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War Two.
The summit had revolved around an American and European call for a 30-day ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. In case Moscow declines the proposal, the US and European countries will impose new sanctions together, according to a French diplomatic source. But the proposal details are still being prepared. The European leaders British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Russia to agree to the ceasefire to provide room for peace negotiations.
“This 30-day ceasefire is an important step towards the attainment of a just and lasting peace,” the four European leaders said in a joint statement. The visit is significant because it is the first time the leaders of these four countries have visited Ukraine together.
In the course of these diplomatic negotiations, US President Donald Trump has urged an immediate end to the conflict, suggesting irritation at Russia’s hesitation to sit down for peace negotiations. While the Trump administration has hinted at sanctions should Russia reject the ceasefire, it is unclear if other attempts will be done in pushing for peace if no accord is achieved.
While the situation is still volatile, European ministers have also come out in favor of bringing Russian leadership to book for crimes of aggression. This is as Putin continues to reaffirm Russia’s position through military demonstrations and defiance of Western demands for ceasefire.
