Four European Leaders Make First Joint Visit Kyiv to Pressure Russia

The leaders of France, Britain, Germany, and Poland made their first-ever joint visit to Kyiv in a symbolic show of European unity, aiming to increase pressure on Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. They met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to express steadfast commitment and support for Ukraine's sovereignty and security, while aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for a ceasefire to create space for peace talks. The visit came just one day after Russia marked the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory with a military parade, where President Vladimir Putin struck a defiant tone and resisted ceasefire proposals. The European leaders called on Russia to stop obstructing peace efforts and warned that support for Ukraine would continue to increase until Russia agrees to an enduring ceasefire. Ukraine's Foreign Minister criticized Russia's previous short ceasefire offers as insincere, underscoring ongoing hostilities. This unprecedented joint trip highlights the contrast between European calls for peace and Russia's continued military aggression.