European Leaders Visit Kyiv to Discuss Peace and Remember Fallen Soldiers
Over the weekend, a group of European leaders made a historic visit to Kyiv to discuss the path towards peace between Ukraine and Russia, as well as to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the conflict.
The leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, gathered in Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine. They placed votive candles at the National Memorial of Remembrance in Independence Square, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska.
In a joint statement, the leaders expressed their commitment to standing with Ukraine and working towards a peaceful resolution. They also had a productive phone call with U.S. President Donald J. Trump to discuss plans for a peace settlement.
Call for Direct Talks
President Macron called for “direct talks” between Ukraine and Russia in the event of a ceasefire in Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He proposed that a 30-day ceasefire could pave the way for negotiations between the two countries, with support from France and other European nations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed this sentiment, stating that Ukraine and its allies are prepared for a full and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days. He emphasized that a cessation of hostilities and confidence-building measures could lead to meaningful peace negotiations.
The visit of European leaders to Kyiv marked a significant step towards finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine, and honoring the memory of those who have lost their lives in the ongoing war.
