Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk arrived in Kyiv on May 10; together with Trump, they have called for Russia to agree to a complete ceasefire.

On Saturday May 10, in preparation for a meeting of the coalition of the willing, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital. Later, the leaders held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

Following the meeting, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and its allies demand from Russia a complete and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days starting Monday May 12. The Kremlin responded that it would consider the proposal.

A joint statement from the coalition’s leaders outlines their demands:

1. The ceasefire must be comprehensive – on land, in the air, and at sea – and cannot be accompanied by any conditions.
2. Any demands from Russia could be seen as an attempt to disrupt the diplomatic process and prolong the war.
3. The regime of silence should be accompanied by effective monitoring in coordination with the US.
4. During the 30-day ceasefire, diplomatic efforts should be aimed at developing the security, political, and humanitarian foundations of future peace.
5. Further strengthening of the Ukrainian Defense Forces is necessary as a key guarantee of the country’s sovereignty. The allies plan to invest in Ukraine’s defense industry and implement joint weapons production projects in European countries.
6. Among the elements of Ukraine’s long-term security, the creation of an international guarantee contingent is also being considered.

If Russia refuses to cooperate or violates the ceasefire, the allies agree on the need to introduce additional sanctions and promised to increase military assistance to Ukraine.