Merz, Macron and Starmer arrive in Kiev to push for 30-day ceasefire
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Kiev by train with France's Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to push for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
The trio, alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, are set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday to reaffirm their countries' continued backing in light of Russia's ongoing war.
According to a joint statement, the meeting is also intended to coordinate efforts to support a plan for a 30-day pause in fighting, which has been put forward by US President Donald Trump.
"Alongside the US, we call on Russia to agree a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace," the leaders said.
"We are ready to support peace talks as soon as possible, to discuss technical implementation of the ceasefire, and prepare for a full peace deal."
The leaders will continue to "ratchet up pressure on Russia’s war machine" until Russia agrees to an enduring ceasefire, the statement said.
Zelensky said earlier on Friday that the "coalition of the willing" was set to convene in Kiev.
The coalition, consisting of some 30 countries, is led by France and Britain. The countries are working on plans to support Ukraine after a possible ceasefire.
During the visit to Kiev, European leaders are also due to commemorate the victims of the three-year war in Ukraine, which began after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
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