Translated with AI
On the morning of May 10, 2025, a delegation of leaders from four key European countries – France, Poland, Great Britain and Germany – arrived in Kyiv. This is the first joint visit of these countries’ leaders to Ukraine in the history of the war, which underlines the growing unity and determination of Europe in supporting Kyiv amid the ongoing standoff with Russia.
Who arrived in Kyiv?
According to a UNIAN correspondent, the following arrived in the capital of Ukraine:
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- French President Emmanuel Macron
At the Kiev railway station the high-ranking guests were met by:
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha
- Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak
Atmosphere and accompaniment
The leaders who arrived were in high spirits. The visit was both official and symbolic. The European guests smiled, willingly talked to journalists and posed for photographs. In the footage published by the Ukrainian media, it is noticeable that the Ukrainian officials greeted the delegations in formal suits. The Ukrainian flag flashed in the background, and security measures were significantly increased.
Interestingly, videos released from inside the train on the way to Kyiv featured Macron, Starmer and Merz – Tusk was not among them. Perhaps he arrived on a separate route or earlier than the others.
Purpose of the visit and statements
According to the head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, the visit of the European leaders is a demonstration that Ukraine is not left alone in the fight for its territorial integrity and justice. Yermak called the guests "a coalition of the determined" , noting that the parties are determined to continue working together to achieve a fair peace .
"We need to end this war with a just peace. We need to force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire," Yermak said.
Context of the visit: Declaration of ceasefire
Before his visit to Kiev, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reported that European countries had prepared a joint declaration on a ceasefire in Ukraine . According to him, the document largely repeats the initiative for a 30-day truce , which had already been discussed at the diplomatic level. This proposal became the subject of dialogue both in Kiev and in Brussels.
European Day in Lviv
The day before, on May 9, a delegation of 35 countries arrived in Lviv on the occasion of Europe Day . The European delegation was headed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas . The visit began with a flower-laying ceremony at the Lychakiv Cemetery, where the memory of Ukrainian heroes who died in the war against the Russian Federation was honored.
The significance of the visit
This visit is an important political and symbolic step, confirming the support of European powers for Ukraine. It also demonstrates that despite the internal challenges in the EU countries themselves, the topic of Ukraine remains at the center of the international agenda. In parallel, practical steps are also being discussed – from a possible ceasefire to additional assistance, including economic, military and humanitarian.
