**World Leaders Unite to Push for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine**
As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its fourth year, a group of world leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, will travel to Kyiv on Saturday to put pressure on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. This move is seen as a deliberate response to the more than 20 leaders who joined Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for Victory Day commemorations just days ago.
The visit by Sir Keir and fellow leaders – including French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz – marks a significant show of solidarity with Ukraine. The group will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” a group of around 30 mainly European nations seeking ways to entrench Ukraine’s security if a peace deal with Russia is agreed.
The leaders are using their visit to urge Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, a proposal initially made by US President Donald Trump. This move comes as Russia has announced its own unilateral three-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has rejected as a “theatrical show.” The truce was meant to mark World War Two Victory Day, but it has been marred by thousands of attacks launched by Russia since its implementation.
**The Pressure is On**
The leaders’ statement released before their arrival in Kyiv makes it clear that they are determined to see an end to the bloodshed. “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,” they said. The group also vowed to “ratchet up pressure on Russia’s war machine” until Russia agrees to an enduring ceasefire.
With tensions running high, the leaders’ visit is seen as a critical moment in the conflict. German Chancellor Merz has expressed hope that a full ceasefire could be agreed as soon as this weekend, while US President Trump has reiterated his call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire after a phone call with Zelensky. The ball, it seems, is firmly in Moscow’s court.
**The Stakes are High**
As the world watches the developments unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high. If Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire, the consequences will be severe. “If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions,” Trump warned on Truth Social.
With the leaders’ visit set to take place on Saturday, all eyes will be on Kyiv as the world waits with bated breath for Russia’s response. Will they agree to a 30-day ceasefire, or will they continue to push forward with their military campaign? Only time will tell.
