In a striking display of solidarity, the leaders of France, Germany, Britain, and Poland arrived in Ukraine on Saturday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling a new diplomatic push to pressure Moscow into accepting a temporary ceasefire and opening the door to lasting peace talks.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland. They were joined later by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The historic visit — the first of its kind involving all four European powers since the war began — comes a day after Russia staged a grandiose military parade in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory.
More than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to resist on multiple fronts while pushing for more aid and political backing. With U.S. President Donald Trump now backing a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal, European leaders are rallying behind the initiative to stop the bloodshed and create diplomatic momentum.
The joint statement released before the visit was unambiguous: “Alongside the US, we call on Russia to agree a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace.”
The leaders said they would support any diplomatic initiative that helps bring an end to the war while ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
“We are clear the bloodshed must end,” the statement continued. “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.”
The message was not only for Moscow, but also for European audiences increasingly weary of the conflict’s economic and political toll. Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk reaffirmed their nations’ commitments to aid and reconstruction, but made clear that real progress hinges on Russia halting hostilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in an interview with ABC News, dismissed the ceasefire proposal as “lopsided,” arguing it would only serve to benefit Ukraine while Russian troops “advance in quite a confident way.”
Peskov insisted that arms deliveries to Ukraine must stop before Russia would consider a truce. “Ukraine is not ready for immediate negotiations,” he said, accusing Western countries of prolonging the war by continuing to supply weapons.
The Kremlin’s position echoes that of President Putin, who used Friday’s parade on Red Square to project defiance. Speaking in front of military hardware and veterans, Putin condemned the West’s attempts to “encircle” Russia and vowed that his military campaign in Ukraine would not be swayed by “external pressure.”
The European leaders’ visit was timed to deliver a symbolic counterpoint to Moscow’s military spectacle. With Chinese President Xi Jinping and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico attending the Red Square parade, the Kremlin sought to highlight its remaining global alliances.
Europe responded with unity.
A French presidential aide told reporters, “This visit, especially just four days after Chancellor Merz took office, demonstrates Europe’s unity, strength, and responsiveness. It mirrors Putin’s celebrations with a different kind of power — one based on diplomacy, cooperation, and peace.”
For Macron, it was his first trip to Kyiv since June 2022. For Merz, who took over from Olaf Scholz earlier this week, the visit was his diplomatic debut. Starmer, newly elected as Britain’s prime minister after a landslide victory over the Conservatives, used the opportunity to solidify Britain’s return to international diplomacy after years of inward political strife.
Russia still occupies roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including swathes of the Donbas and the strategic land corridor linking Crimea to mainland Russia. Fierce battles continue along the eastern and southern fronts, with mounting casualties on both sides.
Ukraine’s military, worn down but not broken, has managed to prevent any major Russian breakthrough in recent months. Yet without additional weapons and political guarantees, officials in Kyiv warn that the situation could deteriorate.
Zelensky welcomed the visiting leaders with a plea: “This is a moment to show that Ukraine is not alone. The people of Europe and the United States want peace, and Ukraine is ready for that peace — but it cannot be peace at the cost of our freedom.”
President Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire has been met with cautious optimism in some quarters and skepticism in others. While many European leaders worry that such a pause could give Russia time to regroup, others see it as the first step toward a broader peace process.
At a meeting in Norway on Friday, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb confirmed that the U.S. had prepared two sanctions packages targeting Russia’s banking and energy sectors. These would be triggered if either side violates the terms of the ceasefire.
The European leaders echoed that position on Saturday, with Macron saying the ceasefire “must be backed by consequences” if breached.
A virtual meeting is scheduled later today among EU leaders to discuss the formation of a new European security force that could assist Ukraine with post-war stabilization. According to the joint statement, the force would “regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces after any peace deal and strengthen confidence in any future peace.”
Perhaps the most contentious topic remains Ukraine’s borders. Russia insists on retaining control over Crimea and parts of Donbas, while Ukraine, backed by international law, demands full restoration of its territory.
President Trump has hinted that a future peace settlement may require Ukraine to make territorial concessions, but Zelensky has so far resisted any deal that would legitimize Russia’s occupation.
Macron said on Friday that while “difficult conversations about territory” may come after a ceasefire, “we cannot pre-negotiate peace terms when missiles are still falling on Ukrainian cities.”
This nuanced shift from previous hardline positions has sparked debate across Europe and Ukraine. Critics fear that even entertaining the possibility of concessions risks undermining Ukraine’s long-term security.
Beyond moral and political support, Europe’s role in the post-war order is now under scrutiny. Billions have already been spent on weapons, humanitarian relief, and refugee aid. A prolonged war would strain already stretched European economies and deepen political divisions at home.
The stakes are particularly high for Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine and has taken in millions of refugees. Prime Minister Tusk’s government has been a vocal advocate for robust support, fearing that any weakening of the Western front could leave Eastern Europe exposed.
In Berlin, Chancellor Merz faces pressure to prove he can step out of Scholz’s long shadow and maintain Germany’s leadership in Europe. Saturday’s visit may mark the start of a new era in German foreign policy — more assertive, more strategic, and less risk-averse.
Whether this diplomatic blitz will change Putin’s calculus remains uncertain. But it does mark a turning point. With Trump backing a ceasefire, and Europe unified behind Ukraine, momentum for a political solution is building.
Much depends on whether the 30-day proposal can transition into something more durable. That will require sustained negotiations, a credible enforcement mechanism, and, crucially, buy-in from both Kyiv and Moscow.
As Ukrainian civilians endure a fourth year of war, Europe’s leaders have taken a step that many hope is the beginning of the end.
“We came to Kyiv not just to speak,” said Starmer. “We came to act.”
