Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire with Ukraine. They warned that if he refused, they would impose more sanctions and send additional weapons to Ukraine.
During a press conference in Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared, “All of us here, together with the US, are calling Putin out. If he’s serious about peace, then he has a chance to show it now.”
He added that the leaders had demanded a ceasefire without any conditions. Starmer said, “If he turns his back on peace, we will respond, working with President Trump... we will ramp up sanctions, and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table.”
Leaders Visit Kyiv for Talks
On Saturday morning, Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv by train. Donald Tusk came on a separate train. They held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the capital. This marked Macron’s first visit since 2022 and Merz’s first as Germany’s new chancellor.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha shared a picture of the five leaders speaking with US President Joe Biden over a phone call. He posted on X, “Ukraine and all allies are ready for a full unconditional ceasefire... for at least 30 days starting already on Monday.” He also said a ceasefire monitored effectively could lead to peace talks.
Putin Rejects Ultimatum but Proposes Talks
At a press briefing around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Putin dismissed the ceasefire demand. However, he said he was open to direct negotiations with Ukraine. He proposed holding talks in Istanbul on Thursday. Putin noted, “We don’t exclude that during these negotiations we will be able to agree on new ceasefires.”
Ukraine and its allies have said they want a full ceasefire before any talks begin. Journalists had waited for nearly seven hours before Putin’s short briefing, after which he left without taking questions.
No Clear Word from the US Yet
The White House has not released any statement about the leaders' call or if Trump made any commitments. The US has supported the idea of a 30-day ceasefire as a first step toward peace. Ukraine has accepted this, but Russia insists that the West must stop sending weapons before it agrees.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked the European leaders on social media. He wrote, “Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk were supposed to discuss peace in Kyiv. Instead, they are blurting out threats against Russia … You think that’s smart, eh? Shove these peace plans up your pangender arses.”
Russia Declares Its Own Temporary Ceasefire
Despite rejecting the ultimatum, Russia announced a three-day ceasefire starting 8 May. Ukraine said Moscow did this to avoid drone attacks during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.
On Friday, Red Square hosted the annual Victory Day parade. Leaders from China, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia attended. Their presence caused concern among other European countries. Even during the temporary ceasefire, fighting continued on the frontlines. But Russia reduced its missile and drone attacks.
European Leaders Accuse Putin of Avoiding Peace
Starmer criticized Putin for only accepting a ceasefire when it benefits him. He said, “Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade, and he doesn’t need them now.”
He added that Ukraine has shown willingness to negotiate many times, but Putin keeps refusing. He also said, “There is no glory in aggression and conquest... glory comes from fighting for your country, defending the people, and winning the peace.” Macron said that the war in Ukraine was a test of Europe’s principles and international order.
Visit to Maidan and Silent Tribute
On Saturday, the leaders visited Kyiv’s Maidan with President Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska. They honored the memory of war victims by observing a moment of silence. Thousands of flags in the square paid tribute to those killed during the war. Later, the leaders had a virtual meeting to discuss forming a joint force for peace that includes air, land, sea, and rebuilding efforts.
Trump Calls for End to the War
So far, Trump has not shared his views on the call with the European leaders. However, on Friday, he told reporters, “I have a message for both parties: get this war ended,” adding, “Get this stupid war finished. That’s my message for both of them.”
US May Be Changing Its Tone
Although Trump’s administration has generally been more critical of Ukraine, recent signs suggest that Washington might be shifting its position. Trump and Zelenskyy recently had a positive meeting in the Vatican.
Even Vice President JD Vance, known for his skepticism toward Ukraine, criticized Russia’s demands. He said, “Right now, the Russians are asking for... a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they’re asking for too much.”
Possible Missile Launch Raises Concerns
Late Friday, the US embassy in Kyiv warned of a “potentially significant air attack.” It didn’t provide more details. Later, reports said Russia would close its airspace over a missile testing range on Monday and Tuesday. This raised fears of a possible missile launch.