Rewritten Article
Record-breaking visit: Europe's big four leaders unite in Kyiv for unprecedented show of solidarity
Discussion in Kiev: Virtual Interaction with Peacekeeping Forces
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On the historic day, May 10, 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Donald Tusk left their national borders behind and ventured together to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. This marked the very first time heads of state and government from Germany, France, the UK, and Poland met on Ukrainian soil as a united front[1][2][3][4].
The primary focus of this shared visit was to boldly support Ukraine amid its persistent battle against Russia. The group huddled with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to express profound solidarity, with hopes that their dialogue would advance discussions on forging the so-called "coalition of the willing." This global initiative consists of plans to establish a peacekeeping force to be deployed once a lasting ceasefire has been reached[2].
Critically, this joint visit came with a strong call to action for Russia – to embrace an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. The quartet, along with former U.S. President Donald Trump, endorsed his appeal for peace, reiterating their pledge to swiftly back peace talks that could begin as early as today[2][3][4].
More than a symbolic display of European unity and grit, this visit took place at an important moment: as Russia hosted its pompous "Victory Day" parade in Moscow. The Moscow parade was graced with the presence of various friendly leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the stark international divide in the face of the conflict[4].
[1] AFP. (2025). Merz, Macron, Starmer and Tusk travel to Kyiv together. The Local at https://www.thelocal.de/20250510/merz-macron-starmer-and-tusk-travel-to-kyiv-together
[2] Deutsche Welle. (2025). European powers ready to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. Deutsche Welle at https://www.dw.com/en/european-powers-ready-to-send-peacekeeping-troops-to-ukraine/a-59913034
[3] Reuters. (2025). Europe's leaders stand with Ukraine, await Putin's answer on ceasefire. Reuters at https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/europes-leaders-stand-with-ukraine-await-putins-answer-on-ceasefire-2025-05-10/
[4] The Guardian. (2025). European unity on show as leaders flock to Kyiv amid Ukraine unrest. The Guardian at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/10/european-unity-on-show-as-leaders-flock-to-kyiv-amid-ukraine-unrest
- The unprecedented visit in Kyiv on May 10, 2025, underscores the European Community's policy of unwavering support for Ukraine against the escalating conflict with Russia.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Donald Tusk was aimed at strengthening the employment policy in generating peacekeeping forces if a lasting ceasefire is achieved.
- The quartet of leaders, who arrived united in Kyiv, concurred with former U.S. President Donald Trump's call for an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, reaffirming their commitment to the politics of collaboration for peace talks.
- As the global news spreads about this historic show of solidarity, general-news outlets are reporting that another head of state, Chinese President Xi Jinping, will be present at the "Victory Day" parade in Moscow, highlighting the clear international divide in the face of the conflict.
