European Leaders Visit Ukraine in Push for Ceasefire and Peace Talks

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kiev on Saturday for an unprecedented joint visit aimed at intensifying pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and engage in peace talks with Ukraine.

The visit, marking the first time these four European leaders have traveled together to Ukraine, is seen as a powerful symbol of European unity in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion, now in its fourth year. The leaders are expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to demonstrate their continued support for Ukraine and discuss the next steps in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Joint Call for Ceasefire

In a joint statement ahead of the visit, Macron, Merz, Tusk, and Starmer called on Russia to agree to a “full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.” They argued that such a truce would provide a window for peace negotiations and facilitate discussions on a lasting solution to the war.

“We are clear the bloodshed must end. Russia must stop its illegal invasion, and Ukraine must be able to prosper as a secure, sovereign nation,” the leaders said. They pledged to “increase our support for Ukraine” and vowed to intensify efforts against Russia’s military until Moscow agrees to the ceasefire.

Earlier, Russian officials signaled that they would only agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine’s allies ceased arms deliveries. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov argued that a truce would benefit Ukraine and that Russia would only engage in talks once arms shipments stop.

Strengthening Post-War Security

The visit also included discussions on post-conflict security arrangements for Ukraine. After meeting with Zelenskyy, the four leaders were scheduled to host a virtual meeting with other European leaders to outline plans for a European security force to help Ukraine rebuild and secure its borders after any peace agreement.

This proposed force would assist in regenerating Ukraine’s armed forces and reinforce confidence in a future peace settlement. The leaders emphasized that their commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast, even as the conflict drags on.

The visit follows an earlier meeting between Macron and Tusk in France, where the two leaders discussed plans for a U.S.-European 30-day truce, backed by strong economic sanctions to ensure compliance.

The four leaders' visit underscores the growing determination among European nations to take a leading role in peace efforts, as well as their concern over potential shifts in U.S. policy on European security.