Western Leaders Visit Kyiv to Advocate for 30-Day Ceasefire

On May 10, 2025, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland arrived in Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and to advocate for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the proposed ceasefire and future peace initiatives.

The visit follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, which was attended by leaders from China and Brazil. The European leaders’ trip to Kyiv is seen as a counterbalance to Putin’s show of strength and a reaffirmation of Western support for Ukraine.

During their meeting, the leaders emphasized the importance of a ceasefire to facilitate peace talks and reconstruction efforts. They also paid respects at Kyiv’s Maidan square, honoring victims of the war.

Despite Ukraine’s support for the ceasefire, the Kremlin has expressed reservations. Russian officials have indicated that any ceasefire would be contingent upon the cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine, a condition that Western leaders have not agreed to.

The European leaders’ visit aims to strengthen Western unity and pressure Russia into agreeing to the ceasefire, with hopes that it will lead to lasting peace in the region.