European Leaders Unite for Talks with President Zelenskya

The leaders of France, Britain, Germany, and Poland are set to visit Ukraine on Saturday for discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This joint visit is a significant display of European solidarity in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The visit follows President Putin’s defiant remarks in Moscow on the 80th anniversary of World War II victory. The leaders are calling for a 30-day ceasefire to pave the way for peace talks and are prepared to support Ukraine in achieving a lasting peace. They emphasize the need for an end to bloodshed, Russia’s withdrawal, and Ukraine’s sovereignty. The visit aims to show unwavering support for Ukraine and pressure Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Discussions will also involve the creation of a European force to bolster Ukraine’s security post-war. The leaders are committed to standing with Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and call on Putin to cooperate in securing peace. Macron and other leaders advocate for a US-Europe plan with economic sanctions to enforce the ceasefire. Putin’s aggressive stance at the Red Square parade indicates his reluctance to cease hostilities. The leaders’ visit underscores European unity and resolve in the face of Putin’s actions. However, divisions within Europe were apparent when Slovakia’s Prime Minister attended the Moscow parade, leading to diplomatic expulsions between Ukraine and Hungary.