Sir Keir Starmer has joined European leaders in Kyiv for a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" to discuss a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed fellow leaders at Independence Square in Kyiv on Saturday morning ahead of further talks on the so-called “coalition of the willing”.
Writing on X after he arrived in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said his "first thought goes to the Ukrainians".
He added: "For more than three years, you have resisted with admirable courage. For your land. For your freedom. For Europe. Because yes, the security of our continent is at stake here."
The UK Prime Minister, French President Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Russia to “stop obstructing efforts” to secure a peace deal ahead of their trip to the Ukrainian capital.
Mr Zelenskyy confirmed on Friday that he would be hosting leaders from the coalition that has been spearheaded by the UK and France, and said there is “serious work ahead”.
In a joint statement, Sir Keir, Mr Macron, Mr Tusk and Mr Merz said they “will stand in Kyiv in solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion”.
They added: “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.”
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Olena Zelenska and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz pay their respects to the victims of war. Picture: Getty
Later today, the group are scheduled to host a virtual meeting with other leaders to update on progress towards a force that Number 10 has said could “regenerate” Ukraine’s armed forces after a possible peace deal.
Military officers from around 30 countries have been involved in drawing up plans for the coalition which would provide a peacekeeping force in the event of a ceasefire being agreed between Russia and Ukraine.
The leaders have said they 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 recognised borders for generations to come,” they added.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets with French President Emanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz onboard a train to Kyiv on May 9. Picture: Alamy
The meetings in Kyiv come two weeks after Mr Zelenskyy had discussions with a number of world leaders – including Mr Trump and Sir Keir – on the fringes of Pope Francis’s funeral.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a 72-hour ceasefire on Thursday to coincide with celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.
But his forces have continued offensive operations along the front line as well as air strikes on residential areas, according to Ukrainian officials.
American president Mr Trump said on Thursday that talks with Russia and Ukraine have continued.
“The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He added: “Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations. If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions.”
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