Ahead of their visit to Kyiv, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement aligning themselves with U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed appeal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump urged Russia to accept the truce to allow time for peace talks or face “further sanctions” from the U.S. and its allies. Notably, the joint statement by the European leaders included stronger criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin than Trump has expressed publicly.
“We, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, will stand together in Kyiv to show our solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion,” the statement read. “We support President Trump’s push for peace negotiations and call on Russia to end its obstruction of a lasting peace effort.”
The leaders called for a “full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire,” aimed at creating an opening for negotiations toward what they described as a “just and lasting peace.”
They also expressed readiness to support diplomatic talks “as soon as possible,” including efforts to work through the technical details required to implement the ceasefire.
“We are resolute in our belief that the violence must cease. Russia’s unlawful invasion must stop, and Ukraine must be allowed to thrive as an independent, secure nation within its internationally recognized borders,” the statement continued. “Our support for Ukraine will continue to increase. Until Russia commits to a lasting ceasefire, we will continue to escalate pressure on its military.”
Saturday’s trip marks the first time the four leaders have traveled together to Ukraine. For Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz, it is also his first visit to Kyiv since assuming office earlier this week.
Following visits to war memorials and meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leaders are expected to take part in a video conference with other international leaders. The discussion will center on the progress of the so-called “coalition of the willing” — a group of countries that have volunteered to support a potential future peacekeeping initiative.
According to a statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, the aim of this initiative is to form “a future coalition of air, land, maritime, and reconstruction forces.” These would help rebuild Ukraine’s military and civil infrastructure as part of a post-conflict peace arrangement, while also bolstering trust in any long-term peace deal.
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