PM Sir Kier Starmer & leaders from Germany, France, Ukraine and Poland convened the “Coalition of the Willing” in Kyiv to reinforce its unwavering support for Ukraine
Yesterday, on May 10, 2025, Kyiv became the focal point of international diplomacy, as the “Coalition of the Willing” convened to reinforce its unwavering support for Ukraine. The primary aim of the meeting was to solidify a unified stance in demanding a full and unconditional ceasefire from Russia, while also solidifying long term support for Ukraine.
European leaders, including the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom Sir Kier Starmer, Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz and President Macron of France, undertook a symbolic journey, travelling to Kyiv by train from neighboring Poland. Upon arrival, they were met by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, a poignant gesture of gratitude for their solidarity.
Before engaging in formal discussions, the leaders paid their respects at significant memorial sites in Kyiv, underscoring the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict. The core of the day involved extensive meetings with the Ukrainian President, focusing on strategies to achieve a lasting peace and to strengthen Ukraine’s security.
A subsequent press conference served to articulate the coalition’s unified position. A firm message was directed towards Russian President Putin: an immediate 30-day ceasefire was demanded, with clear indications that further aggression would be met with intensified sanctions and increased military aid to Ukraine. The leaders emphasized that there would be no more conditions or delays from the russian side.
The meeting’s impact resonated globally, sending a powerful message of unity and resolve. It underscored the international community’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The gathering served as a clear demonstration that despite the challenges, the coalition remained steadfast in its support, determined to pursue a path towards a just and lasting peace. The message of unity, was clear, that the european nations, and those within the coalition, will stand with Ukraine.
Joint Statement
Joint Statement by the Leaders of France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine Following the Meeting in Kyiv. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and Ukraine met in Kyiv.
- They agreed that starting Monday, May 12, there should be a full and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days.
- They concurred that an unconditional ceasefire by definition cannot be subject to any conditions. If Russia calls for such conditions, this can only be considered as an effort to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy.
- They demanded that the ceasefire must be comprehensive – in the air, at sea, and on land.
- They underlined that it requires effective monitoring, which could be successfully implemented in close coordination with the United States.
- They agreed that the ceasefire should last for at least 30 days to create room for diplomacy. During this period, diplomatic work should focus on outlining the security, political and humanitarian foundations of peace.
- They welcomed that the call for a ceasefire and meaningful negotiations is supported by both Europe and the United States.
- They underlined the crucial importance of strengthening Ukraine’s Defence and Security Forces as the primary guarantee of Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. A key element of security guarantees to Ukraine should also be a reassurance force (Contingent).
- They agreed that if Russia refuses a full and unconditional ceasefire, stronger sanctions should be applied to its banking and energy sectors, targeting fossil fuels, oil and the shadow fleet.
- They agreed to pass a strong 17th EU sanctions package and to coordinate it with sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom and Norway, as well as by the United States.
- They agreed to continue working on the effective use of frozen Russian assets and to discuss this at the next G7 summit.
- They expressed their readiness to further strengthen Ukraine’s defence, especially the Ukrainian army. This should include funding defence resilience and investment in arms production in both Ukraine and in European countries in the framework of joint projects
