KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — On Saturday, leaders from four European countries arrived in Kyiv to demonstrate unified support for Ukraine as calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia intensified. The leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom traveled together to Kyiv's central train station and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They participated in a ceremony at Independence Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where they lit candles at a makeshift memorial honoring fallen Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives since the onset of Russia's invasion.
This visit marks a significant milestone, being the first instance that the leaders of these four nations have collectively visited Ukraine. Additionally, it is the inaugural visit of Friedrich Merz as Germany's new Chancellor. Their arrival coincided with the conclusion of a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Moscow to align with its celebrations of the defeat of Nazi Germany. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha characterized the Russian truce as a "farce," stating that Russian forces had violated it over 700 times within a day of its enactment. Both parties reported that attacks on their respective military forces continued on the same day.
Alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, the European leaders are urging Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate peace discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. In March, the United States proposed an immediate ceasefire lasting 30 days, which Ukraine accepted. However, the Kremlin has resisted, seeking terms more favorable to its interests. The leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for Trump’s calls for a peace agreement and urging Russia to cease its obstruction of efforts aimed at securing a lasting peace. They emphasized the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire to create conducive conditions for negotiations.
An assessment by the Associated Press, based on reports from Ukrainian authorities, indicated that at least 117 civilians had been killed and over 1,000 wounded due to Russian aerial assaults since Ukraine expressed willingness for a ceasefire on March 11. Local officials from Ukraine's northern Sumy region reported that Russian shelling killed three residents and injured four in a single day, while a civilian man was killed by a Russian drone strike in the southern city of Kherson.
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to reporters in Kyiv, describing the moment as historic for European defense and a significant step towards greater security independence. He stated, "What’s happening with Poland, Germany, and Great Britain is a historic moment for European defense and toward a greater independence for our security. Obviously for Ukraine, but for all of us. It’s a new era. It’s a Europe that sees itself as a power."
President Trump has previously suggested that Ukraine should consider ceding territory to Russia to bring an end to the conflict. This stance has raised concerns in Europe regarding the response to a potential U.S. withdrawal from negotiations. European allies of Ukraine view the war as crucial to the continent's security and are increasing pressure to support Kyiv militarily, despite uncertainties regarding Trump's involvement.
Andrii Yermak, an aide to President Zelenskyy, met with the European leaders in Kyiv, highlighting the abundant issues that need discussion and emphasizing the need to compel Moscow to agree to a ceasefire. Later that day, the leaders held a virtual meeting with other officials to discuss progress on establishing a "coalition of the willing," aimed at assisting Ukraine's military capabilities post-peace deal and potentially deploying forces for peacekeeping duties in any future agreement with Russia.
