Kyiv (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK’s Starmer, France’s Macron, Germany’s Merz, Poland’s Tusk arrive in Kyiv, urging ceasefire as US warns of major Russian air attack.
As reported by The Guardian, the leaders from the UUK NewsK, France, Germany, and Poland have arrived in Kyiv for a gesture of solidarity, following Putin’s military parade in Moscow. The visit coincides with a US intelligence warning of a large-scale airstrike on Ukraine.
Leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Poland in Kyiv
Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on the same train on Saturday morning, while Donald Tusk took a different train. The heads of state met in Rzeszow, Poland, on Friday night before heading to Kyiv, where they will meet President Zelenskyy on Saturday to express support for Ukraine, Downing Street said.
The four leaders stated in a joint statement,
“We, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland the United Kingdom will stand in Kyiv in solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion.”
EU leaders in Kyiv for a 30-day ceasefire
The four European leaders will stress the need for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in their ongoing conflict, with Donald Trump and the US administration viewing it as a possible step toward a lasting peace deal. While Ukraine has expressed its willingness to implement the ceasefire, Russia has yet to agree.
Moscow initiated a three-day ceasefire on 8 May, which Kyiv claimed was intended to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia during the 80th anniversary celebration of the Soviet victory in World War II, held in Moscow on Friday. Despite the announced ceasefire, fighting has continued on the frontlines, according to both sides, though Russia has avoided drone and missile strikes on Ukraine.
While the leaders were travelling to Ukraine, the US embassy in Kyiv released a warning on Friday night. It stated that a “potentially significant air attack may occur at any time over the next several days.” However, it did not provide further details.
The European leaders arrived at Kyiv’s Maidan on Saturday and were joined by Zelenskyy and his wife. The central square was filled with thousands of flags to honour those lost in the war with Russia. After a moment of silence, the leaders continued their talks with Zelenskyy.
What did Downing Street say about the planned peace deal and support for Ukraine?
According to Downing Street, the group would connect virtually with global leaders to update other nations on the formation of a multi-domain force as part of a future peace framework.
They said in a statement,
“We are ready to support peace talks as soon as possible, to discuss technical implementation of the ceasefire, and prepare for a full peace deal. We will continue to increase our support for Ukraine. Until Russia agrees to an enduring ceasefire, we will ratchet up pressure on Russia’s war machine.”
Putin’s victory day parade
Thousands of Russian troops paraded through Moscow’s Red Square on Friday as President Vladimir Putin presided over the yearly Victory Day celebration. High-profile attendees included Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić were also present at the Victory Day parade. Their attendance prompted concern and frustration from their European counterparts.
How did JD Vance react to Moscow’s ceasefire conditions?
JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President and one of the most vocal skeptics of Ukraine support, has joined others in criticizing Russia’s recent approach.
He added,
“Right now, the Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they’re asking for too much.”
What did the EU’s top diplomat say about peace and Putin?
Earlier this week, the EU’s top diplomat stated,
“All those who truly support peace cannot stand side-by-side with Putin. Those who truly support peace should be in Ukraine tomorrow, not Moscow.”
Trump’s views on the war in Ukraine and his message to Putin
After the US embassy issued an air attack warning, Trump was approached by reporters in the Oval Office to ask about his message for Putin.
He added,
“I have a message for both parties: Get this war ended. Get this stupid war finished. That’s my message for both of them.”