Sat May 10 12:20:00 UTC 2025: **European Leaders Push for Ukraine Ceasefire in Kyiv Summit**
KYIV, Ukraine – In a significant show of unity, the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland made a joint visit to Kyiv on Saturday, urging Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. The unprecedented summit, which included a phone call with US President Donald Trump, follows over three years of conflict.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, declared his country’s readiness for a full ceasefire starting Monday, echoing a similar proposal from President Trump. This initiative aims to create space for peace negotiations. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia would only consider a ceasefire if Western arms deliveries to Ukraine cease, claiming a truce would benefit Ukraine’s current battlefield advances.
The four European leaders, along with President Zelenskyy, emphasized the need for a “just and lasting peace,” highlighting the necessity for Russia to end its illegal invasion and for Ukraine’s sovereignty to be respected within its internationally recognized borders. They pledged to increase support for Ukraine while simultaneously ratcheting up pressure on Russia to halt the fighting until a lasting ceasefire is agreed upon. The leaders’ statement stressed that the bloodshed must end and that Russia must withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territories.
While the visit is largely symbolic, it underscores the growing international pressure on Russia. The Kremlin’s response remains a key factor in determining the success of this push for a ceasefire. The situation remains tense as Russia has yet to respond to the call for an enduring ceasefire and continues to occupy approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
First Piper 