Ukraine, its European allies back full ceasefire from May 12, urge Russia to comply

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

“We agreed that starting Monday, May 12, a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin for at least 30 days. Together, we demand this from Russia. We know that the United States supports us in this. An unconditional ceasefire means no conditions whatsoever. Any attempt to set conditions signals an intent to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy. The ceasefire must be comprehensive — in the air, at sea, and on land,” Zelenskyy said.

The president noted that ceasefire monitoring will be coordinated with the United States. According to him, the 30-day pause is meant to “give diplomacy a real chance.” During this time, efforts will focus on defining the security, political, and humanitarian foundations for peace.

“We welcome the fact that the demand for a ceasefire and a shift toward meaningful diplomacy is supported by everyone — not just European countries, but also the United States, which was the first to propose it, during the March 11 meeting in Saudi Arabia. We agreed that a clear priority is strengthening Ukraine’s defense and security forces, which is the main guarantee of our sovereignty and safety. A support contingent must also become a key element of security guarantees,” the president emphasized.

At the same time, he stressed that if Russia refuses to implement a full and unconditional ceasefire, sanctions against its energy sector and banking system must be intensified.

In the morning, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish and British Prime Ministers Donald Tusk and Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the Ukrainian capital. 

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met the European leaders.

“There is a lot of work to be done, a lot of topics to be discussed. We need to end this war with a just peace. We need to force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire,” Andriy Yermak wrote on his Telegram.

The head of the Presidential Office also posted a video of the arrival of European leaders in the Ukrainian capital. 

“I will have three messages” - Macron

Upon his arrival in Ukraine, French leader Emmanuel Macron posted on social network X that he had “three messages” to deliver at the meeting. 

"First and foremost — peace"

As Macron emphasized, "a just and lasting peace begins with a complete and unconditional ceasefire."

"This is a proposal we are advancing together with the United States. Ukraine accepted it back on March 11. Russia, however, hesitates, sets conditions, drags out the process, and continues its war of aggression. If Moscow keeps blocking the initiative, we will increase the pressure - as Europeans and in close coordination with the U.S. We welcome President Trump’s call to take this step. Our unity is our strength. And that is also the meaning of this visit: we all seek peace," the French leader stated.

"Second — sovereignty"

Macron emphasized that any future peace agreement must guarantee Ukraine’s security.

"That’s exactly what we’ve been working on during meetings in Paris, London, and today in Kyiv. We’re moving forward together," the French President added.

"Future"

The French leader stressed that "Ukraine is fighting for its people, but also for the European ideal we believe in."

"A free, strong, prosperous, and European Ukraine is our shared vision. History is watching us," Macron concluded.

More about the 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting in Kyiv

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' would be held in Kyiv on May 10 in a hybrid format. The Guardian reported the information. 

It was noted that due to security concerns, some leaders will attend the event in person, while others will participate online.

"I will go there (to Ukraine – ed.) at the appropriate time. For a number of entirely understandable reasons, this is rarely discussed in advance," said Macron.

On the night of May 10, Macron posted a photo with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

In his signature, he duplicated the phrase in French, English, German, and Polish: “On my way to Kyiv. For Ukraine, for Europe”. 

Call with Trump

Later, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported that following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Kyiv, all five leaders — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Donald Tusk, and Keir Starmer — held a constructive phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding peace efforts.

Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine and all its allies are ready for a full, unconditional ceasefire — on land, in the air, and at sea — for at least 30 days, starting Monday, May 12, 2025.

“If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a lasting ceasefire and confidence-building measures could pave the way for peace talks,” the Ukrainian minister added.

• On March 27, the summit of the Coalition of the Willing, organized by Emmanuel Macron, took place in Paris.