In a unified appeal for peace, the leaders of France, Germany, Britain, and Poland visited Ukraine on Saturday, proposing a 30-day ceasefire to begin Monday and urging Russia to comply without conditions.
The diplomatic push comes amid mounting violence in Ukraine, where Russian forces continue their assault. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to present the ceasefire plan.
Zelensky’s office later confirmed that all parties involved are willing to enforce a total ceasefire—across land, sea, and air—for at least 30 days. The leaders emphasised the ceasefire as a prerequisite for launching meaningful peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
While Kyiv and its Western allies favour this peace window, Moscow has remained defiant. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia would not entertain a truce unless arms shipments to Ukraine were stopped. He argued that a ceasefire now would unfairly benefit Ukraine, especially as Russian troops are reportedly gaining ground.
Russia’s refusal follows its earlier dismissal of a similar proposal led by the U.S. and Ukraine in March. President Putin did announce a brief three-day ceasefire for Victory Day celebrations, but Ukrainian forces noted no real drop in hostilities on the frontlines.
In a symbolic act of solidarity, the European leaders joined Zelensky to lay lanterns at a memorial for fallen soldiers in Kyiv. For Chancellor Merz, it was his first visit to Ukraine since assuming office.
In a joint statement, the leaders warned that Russia would face increased pressure—including possibly harsher sanctions—if it continues to ignore calls for peace. They also hinted at future plans for a European-led security force to help stabilise Ukraine after the war.
The call for peace comes amid growing fears of a major Russian airstrike. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has already alerted Ukrainians to prepare for a potential large-scale attack in the coming days.
