The leaders of France, Germany, Poland and the UK will be in Kyiv
tomorrow as calls intensify for Russia to agree a ceasefire and
come to the negotiating table.
President Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Prime
Minister Donald Tusk and Prime Minister are expected to meet President
Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday morning, underlining their
steadfast commitment to Ukraine.
The historic visit, which is the first time the leaders of the
four countries have travelled together to Ukraine – and
Chancellor Merz' first visit to Ukraine as Germany's new
Chancellor – comes as they and President Trump call for Russia to
agree to a 30-day ceasefire to allow for unfettered peace talks.
In a joint statement, the leaders said:
"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.
"We reiterate our backing for President Trump's calls for a peace
deal and call on Russia to stop obstructing efforts to secure an
enduring peace.
"Alongside the US, we call on Russia to agree a full and
unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a
just and lasting peace.
"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 are clear the bloodshed must end, Russia must stop its
illegal invasion, and Ukraine must be able to prosper as a safe,
secure and sovereign nation within its internationally recognized
borders for generations to come.
"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."
During the visit, the leaders are expected pay their respects to
the fallen defenders and casualties of Russia's war on the
Maidan, where flags are placed by Ukrainians to remember those
killed.
Later in the day, the leaders are expected to host a virtual
meeting, alongside President Zelenskyy, to update leaders on the
progress being made for a future coalition of an air, land,
maritime and regeneration force that would help regenerate
Ukraine's armed forces after any peace deal and strengthen
confidence in any future peace.
