Leaders of France, Germany, UK and Poland arrive in Kyiv
World leaders have gathered in Kyiv today for another high-level meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” — an informal alliance of nations committed to supporting peace and stability in Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
This latest summit follows an April meeting between defense officials from France and the United Kingdom, who are among the founding nations of the coalition. Discussions at that time centered on the potential deployment of a multinational security presence on Ukrainian soil.
The May 10 gathering is being held at the Mariinskyi Palace in central Kyiv. Present are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, First Lady Olena Zelenska, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The day began with a solemn ceremony at Independence Square, where leaders honored fallen Ukrainian soldiers by lighting candles at a national memorial and observing a minute of silence.
Speaking en route to Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Europe’s collective stance against Russian aggression, emphasizing that peace must be just, durable, and begin with a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. “Ukraine accepted the ceasefire proposal on March 11. Russia delays, imposes conditions, and prolongs the war,” Macron said. He stressed that the future of Europe depends on Ukrainian sovereignty and promised further pressure on Moscow if it refuses peace.
In Kyiv, Macron summarized his message in three key points:
A fair and enduring peace, starting with a total ceasefire.
Guaranteed sovereignty for Ukraine through a secure peace agreement. A vision for a free, strong, prosperous, and European Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the call for a 30-day ceasefire, describing it as a critical step toward long-term security in Europe. “Russia must agree to a complete and unconditional cessation of hostilities,” he said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also voiced strong support for the ceasefire, warning Moscow that failure to comply would prompt severe new sanctions. “The ball is now in Russia’s court,” she declared. “We are ready to escalate pressure to ensure a just and lasting peace.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a stark warning, saying that a lack of Kremlin response would trigger “a significant increase in sanctions” and extended support for Ukraine across political, financial, and military domains.
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak welcomed the international delegation, stressing the importance of ending the war with a peace that is “fair and just” and compelling Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.
As talks continue behind closed doors, the world watches to see whether united diplomatic pressure from the West will shift Russia’s position — and whether the path to a sustainable peace in Ukraine can finally be cleared.