Message to Russia that if it does not accept the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the Europeans and Donald Trump in the war in Ukraine “there will be additional sanctions (….) much harsher” sent French President Emanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in interviews in from the train on which they traveled to Kiev with Kir Starmer and Donald Tusk for a teleconference of the “coalition of the willing” in which Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Macron also called for “immediate negotiations” between Ukraine and Russia, he said in an interview with French TV networks TF1 and LCI.

In case of a 30-day ceasefire, “we start direct Ukraine-Russia talks. We are ready to help,” the French president added.

In the same vein, Merz told Germany’s Bild that there would be a “massive reinforcement of sanctions” if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

“If the Kremlin does not respond there will be a massive reinforcement of sanctions and massive aid to Ukraine will continue. On the political level, of course, but also on the economic and military level,” Merts said.

In other remarks from Maidan Square, Macron said that “what is happening with Poland, Germany and Great Britain is a historic moment for European defence and for the greater independence of our security. Obviously for Ukraine, but also for all of us. It is a new era. It is a Europe that sees itself as a power.”

The joint statement before the trip to Kiev

Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Mertsand Kir Starmerstraveled to the Ukrainian capital by train, posting videos on social media while Donald Tusk will meet them there.

In a joint statement, the leaders of Europe’s four largest military powers accused Putin of “obstructing efforts to secure a lasting peace.”

“Together with the US, we call on Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days in order to create the right climate for talks aimed at a just and lasting peace,” the statement said.

“We stand ready to support the peace talks as soon as possible, discuss the technical implementation of the ceasefire and prepare for a full peace agreement. We are clear that the bloodshed must stop, Russia must stop its illegal invasion and Ukraine must be able to prosper as a safe, secure and sovereign nation within its internationally recognized borders for generations to come,” the four leaders added, pledging that “we will continue to increase our support for Ukraine. Until Russia agrees to a lasting ceasefire, we will intensify pressure on the Russian war machine.”

It should be noted that the visit of the leaders of Germany, France, Britain and Poland to Ukraine comes a day after Vladimir Putin made a show of force on the occasion of a parade in Moscow for Victory Day in Europe.

Trump: End the war

US President Donald Trump sent a new message to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to end the war yesterday (Friday) as he pushed for a 30-day ceasefire.

Ahead of a tour that begins Monday of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, Trump was asked what message he wants to send to Russian President Vladimir Putin in light of the U.S. Embassy in Kiev’s warning of “potentially significant” airstrikes in the coming days.

“I have a message for both sides: End this war,” Trump said, addressing Putin and Zelensky. “Stop this stupid war! That’s my message to both of them,” the US president told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House.