European leaders have joined forces with US President Donald Trump to call for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The appeal was made during a visit to Kyiv, where leaders of the “coalition of the willing” met to discuss advancing peace talks.
Joint Statement and Ceasefire Proposal
In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany, the UK, and Poland, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urged Russia to agree to a “full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace”. This proposal, initially made by Trump, aims to pave the way for negotiations and a lasting peace agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the coalition’s support for a “full and unconditional” ceasefire, warning that the EU would “impose further biting sanctions” if the ceasefire is broken.
Reactions from Russia
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded, stating that Russia is “used to sanctions” and knows how to minimize their impact, adding that “there is no point in trying to scare us with these sanctions”. Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, dismissed the European allies’ peace plans, telling them to “shove these peace plans”.
Continued Attacks Despite Ceasefire Claims
Despite Russia’s claims of a temporary ceasefire, reports of attacks across Ukraine continue. In the northern Sumy region, an 85-year-old woman was killed, and three others were injured, with 19 residential homes and 10 other buildings destroyed or damaged. In Kostyantynivka, eastern Donetsk region, one person was injured, and two apartment blocks caught fire after Russian attacks. A 58-year-old local resident in Kherson sought medical help after being attacked by a Russian drone carrying explosives.
International Support and Solidarity
The presence of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish PM Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv was a symbolic show of solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s “barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion”. Trump reiterated his call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire after a phone call with Zelensky, stating that “if the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions”.
Next Steps
The “coalition of the willing” aims to reinforce any eventual peace agreement with security guarantees, including the possibility of placing troops in Ukraine. The leaders plan to hold further discussions on the technical implementation of the ceasefire and prepare for a full peace agreement.