The leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland arrived in Kyiv on Saturday, May 10, 2025, for high-level talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, demonstrating a united European front aimed at pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled together by train from Poland to Ukraine’s capital, marking the first joint visit by these four European leaders to Kyiv since the outbreak of Russia’s invasion more than three years ago.
Upon arrival, the delegation paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Independence Square, underscoring their solidarity with Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. The visit comes amid intensified calls for an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, a proposal supported by Ukraine, the European leaders, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Zelensky, emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict, stating on his Telegram channel, “This war must be ended with a just peace. Moscow must be forced to agree to a ceasefire.” The European leaders echoed this sentiment in a joint statement ahead of the visit, saying they are “ready to support peace talks as soon as possible, to discuss technical implementation of the ceasefire, and prepare for a full peace deal.”
Russia has so far declined to commit to the ceasefire, acknowledging support for the idea in principle but insisting on addressing certain “nuances” before agreeing to halt hostilities.
The visit carries significant symbolic weight, arriving just one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military parade in Moscow commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, which many view as an assertion of Russia’s defiance on the global stage.
This unprecedented show of European unity highlights the continent’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, while increasing diplomatic pressure on Russia to cease its military aggression and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.