Photo: dpa
On the eve of their joint visit to the Ukrainian capital, the presidents and prime ministers of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland issued a strong appeal to Russia: To agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to pave the way for a just and lasting peace.
In a statement published on the official website of the British government, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk emphasised: “We will stand side by side with Ukraine in Kyiv against Russia’s illegal aggression.”
The leaders made it clear that this is not just a matter of symbolic gestures: Europe is ready not only to support future peace talks, but also to participate in the technical support of the ceasefire. They also promised to prepare a new long-term agreement on Ukraine’s security.
“Russia must stop the bloodshed. Ukraine must exist as a sovereign state within internationally recognised borders,” the statement reads.
In addition, a virtual meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was announced to present the concept of a new coalition of allies – air, land, sea and reconstruction forces – that will work to rebuild and reform the Armed Forces after the war.
Until a ceasefire is agreed, the leaders promise only to increase pressure on the Russian military machine and increase assistance to Ukraine in all critical areas.
