**Leaders of UK, France, Germany, and Poland to Visit Ukraine in Show of Support**
In a significant display of solidarity with Ukraine, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland will visit Kyiv on May 10. This historic visit marks the first time the leaders of all four countries have traveled to Ukraine together.
The planned visit comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has been showcasing his military might through an annual Victory Day parade in Moscow. This year’s event was attended by several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, despite Russia’s claims of a ceasefire from May 8-11, attacks against Ukrainian civilians and front-line assaults have continued.
The four leaders – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk – will meet with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to demonstrate their support for the country. This visit is a clear message that the international community stands with Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
**A Message of Support**
The leaders’ joint statement emphasizes their backing for President Trump‘s calls for a peace deal and demands that Russia stop obstructing efforts to secure an enduring peace. They also call on Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which is currently being finalized by the US and European allies.
“We, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom will stand in Kyiv in solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion,” the statement reads. “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.”
**A Push for Peace**
The visit also comes as the US, France, Germany, Poland, and the UK are finalizing their proposal for a full 30-day truce. Ukraine has agreed to accept a complete ceasefire as soon as Russia agrees to the same terms. However, Russia has repeatedly rejected these conditions, insisting it will not begin a full ceasefire until Ukraine makes extreme concessions.
The leaders’ visit is a crucial step towards pushing for peace in Ukraine. As they meet with President Zelensky, they will pay their respects to Ukraine’s fallen soldiers and casualties of the full-scale war at Independence Square. They will also host a virtual meeting alongside Zelensky to brief allies on the work of a future coalition that will monitor peace in Ukraine.
**A Call for an End to Bloodshed**
The joint statement emphasizes that “the bloodshed must end, Russia must stop its illegal invasion, and Ukraine must be able to prosper as a safe, secure, and sovereign nation within its internationally recognized borders for generations to come.”
As the world watches this significant display of solidarity, it is clear that the international community will not stand idly by while Ukraine suffers under Russian aggression. The leaders’ visit is a strong message that peace in Ukraine is possible, and they are committed to working towards an enduring solution.
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