Ukraine and Key Allies Issue Joint Kyiv Statement on Ceasefire and Next Steps
The leaders of France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine have jointly called for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine, effective from Monday, May 12, for a minimum duration of 30 days.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Gathered in Kyiv for a high-level summit, the five leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing that any preconditions for the ceasefire would be seen as a deliberate attempt by Russia to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy. The call demands an immediate and comprehensive halt to hostilities by land, air, sea, and underscores the need for robust monitoring mechanisms, coordinated closely with the United States.
The proposed 30-day truce is intended to create a window for meaningful diplomatic engagement focused on defining the security, political, and humanitarian framework for a lasting peace. The leaders welcomed the support for this initiative from both the European Union and the United States.
Security guarantees for Ukraine featured prominently in the statement. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense and security forces, calling them essential for the nation’s sovereignty.
The joint declaration issued a warning: should Moscow refuse to comply, broader sanctions would follow. The proposed measures include intensified restrictions on Russia’s banking and energy sectors, specifically targeting fossil fuels, oil, and the so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent sanctions.
A new, sweeping 17th EU sanctions package is already in the works, set to be synchronized with actions from the UK, Norway, and the United States. The leaders also pledged to push forward with plans to repurpose frozen Russian assets, with further discussions expected at the next G7 summit.
Additionally, the coalition reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities through direct financial assistance and investment in joint weapons production, both in Ukraine and across Europe.
As The Gaze reported earlier, the summit brought together French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in what is being described as a pivotal moment for allied efforts to end the war and secure lasting peace in Europe.