Macron, Starmer, Merz and Tusk alongside Zelensky in Kyiv for a historic summit – Liberation

Under a bright sun, in the still fresh air in the morning, Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed its European counterparts this Saturday, on the place of independence, the Maidan of Kyiv. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, came to the Ukrainian capital To display, with the Polish head of government, Donald Tusk, their support for Ukraine. In a solemn silence, European leaders gathered in front of the memorial to the Ukrainian soldiers who fell in the war against Russia – an audience of yellow and blue flags, which has continued to extend for three years, in the corner of the big square.

“What is being done with Poland, Germany, Great Britain is a historic moment for a defense Europe and greater independence for our security. Obviously for Ukraine but for all of us. It’s a new era. It is a Europe that is thought as a power ”, Looked down Emmanuel Macron, before rushing into one of the vehicles of the imposing procession. The French president also called for « Ukraine-Russia direct discussions », During the train trip, with the help of France, if necessary.

The four leaders had been welcomed earlier at the station by the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriï Iermak, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriï Sybiga.

They are there to express their « Solidarity with Ukraine against the barbaric and illegal invasion of Russia », According to their joint press release released Friday evening for security reasons. This day visit will allow the four nations to claim, in the wake of the United States, a « Complete and unconditional ceasefire of 30 days » to Russia. This is the first time that the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland have been traveling together in Ukraine.

Zelensky announced on Friday the outfit this Saturday in Kyiv of a meeting of the leaders of the « Coalition of volunteers »without specifying who would be present in the Ukrainian capital. Created at the beginning of March, the latter brings together around thirty countries – mainly European – Around two missions: provide military support to Ukraine and avoid, once a possible peace agreement has been concluded, a new Russian invasion.

Update at 9:12 a.m. with President Macron’s declaration.