European leaders arrive in Kyiv amid push for 30-day cease-fire - AP News

Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 6:55 am

European Leaders Unite in Kyiv, Urge Russia to Ceasefire

Kyiv, Ukraine – In a powerful display of solidarity, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom arrived in Kyiv on Saturday, joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amidst escalating calls for a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia. This marks a significant moment, as it's the first time these four nations' leaders have traveled to Ukraine together.

The visit, which included laying flowers at a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers, comes as pressure mounts on Russia to halt its offensive. The leaders are echoing calls from the United States, including President Donald Trump, for a month-long truce to facilitate peace talks. The US previously proposed a similar ceasefire in March, which Ukraine accepted, but Russia has yet to agree to the terms.

The joint statement from the European leaders emphasized their support for a peace deal and urged Russia to cease obstructing efforts to achieve a lasting peace. They specifically called for a "full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire" to create space for negotiations.

The leaders' agenda includes a virtual meeting with Zelenskyy to discuss the formation of a "coalition of the willing" aimed at supporting Ukraine's armed forces post-peace deal. This coalition could potentially involve deploying troops to Ukraine to help enforce any future peace agreement with Russia. The Ukrainian presidential aide, Andrii Yermak, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating the need to "end this war with a just peace" and "force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire."

BNN's Perspective: While the unified front of European leaders is a welcome sign of support for Ukraine, the path to peace remains complex. A 30-day ceasefire is a crucial first step, but achieving a lasting resolution will require difficult negotiations and concessions from all sides. The potential involvement of a "coalition of the willing" and the possibility of troop deployment raise important questions about the future of the conflict and the role of international actors.

Keywords: Ukraine, Kyiv, Russia, ceasefire, peace talks, European leaders, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, war, conflict, Donald Trump, coalition of the willing, Andrii Yermak, peace agreement, truce, international relations, politics, news

Full Story