European leaders arrive in Kyiv

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have arrived in Kyiv, BBC News reports.

 

The leaders are using the visit to urge Russia to "agree a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire" – a proposal initially made by US President Donald Trump.

 

In a joint statement released before their arrival, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Mertz and Donald Tusk said they will "stand in Kyiv in solidarity with Ukraine".

 

The statement adds that they will be calling for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, first proposed by the US in March, which they say will enable talks to take place for a lasting peace.

 

"We are ready to support peace talks as soon as possible, to discuss technical implementation of the ceasefire, and prepare for a full peace deal," the leaders say, adding they will "ratchet up pressure" on Russia until it agreesUkraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that "Russia must be held accountable for its aggression" to an enduring ceasefire.

 

Later in the day, they are scheduled to host a virtual meeting with other leaders. They will provide an update on progress towards what is being called an "international reassurance force", that Number 10 says could "regenerate" Ukraine's armed forces after a possible peace deal.

 

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that "Russia must be held accountable for its aggression".