Macron, Starmer, Merz and Tusk Send Message to Putin from Kyiv

(Patria) - Leaders of Great Britain, France, Germany and Poland today called on Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create space for talks on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

"Together with the United States, we call on Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create space for talks on a just and lasting peace," the four leaders said in a joint statement.

They met today in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, showing unity the day after Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his allies at a Victory Day parade on Red Square.

The topic of discussion at the summit is the American and European proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine, which, if rejected by Moscow, would mean the joint imposition of new sanctions, a French diplomatic source said, adding that the step has not yet been finalized.

The visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is the first time leaders of the four countries have traveled to Ukraine together.

While awaiting their train in Kyiv, a screen on the platform announced the arrival of the "Bravery Express".

Zelenskyy accompanied them as they paid tribute to Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war in front of a monument in the center of Kyiv.

The visit takes place at an unpredictable diplomatic moment after more than three years of Russia's war against Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for a swift peace, reversing his predecessor's policy since coming to the White House in January.

After direct engagement with Russian officials, public confrontation with Zelenskyy, and a brief halt to vital military aid to Ukraine, the Trump administration has repaired ties with Kyiv and signed a hard-negotiated mineral resources agreement.