Summary
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says further sanctions on Russia “will make a material difference” in securing a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine
- Starmer said Europe and the US are “calling Putin out” to agree to a truce after speaking to Donald Trump with the leaders of France, Germany and Poland while on a visit to Kyiv
- Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov dismisses the threat of new sanctions while accusing European countries of having a “confrontational” character
- Sign up to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face ‘new and massive’ sanctions – that’s the message delivered to Russia, our security correspondent Frank Gardner writes
- As a reminder, the Kremlin rejected US proposals for a 30-day ceasefire in March after Putin set out a number of tough conditions for peace
‘A unified call for an unconditional ceasefire – backed up by sanctions’ – Starmer
More now from Starmer’s interview with the BBC’s chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman.
Zeffman challenges the prime minister on the efficacy of the proposals, highlighting comments from former Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, who wrote in a social media post: “Shove these peace plans”.
Starmer says: “We haven’t seen unity like this – pretty well – throughout the conflict so to get the European allies, US, New Zealand, Canada all on one page.
“Putin of course cannot be trusted but this now is a unified call for an unconditional ceasefire – backed up by sanctions.”
The prime minister adds: “By further coordinating sanctions on oil, fossil fuels etc, will make a material difference. You’ve got unity in the demand but also unity in what the response will be if the demand is not met.”
Coordinating sanctions will make a difference, Starmer tells BBC
Starmer has been speaking to the BBC’s chief political correspondent, Henry Zeffman, in Kyiv about the 30-day ceasefire proposal agreed by European leaders.
The UK prime minister says that he and his European counterparts agreed “material progress in relation to the ceasefire”, adding that they will “step up and play our part” to “preserve peace” and bring about the cease of hostilities.
“Putin, of course, cannot be trusted,” he says, before discussing the the threat of further sanctions on Russia.
“There are sanctions in place at the moment, they are already having an impact on the Russian economy, so by further co-ordinating sanctions on oil, on fossil fuels, etc. will make a material difference,” he says.
Asked if US President Donald Trump is exasperated by Putin, he says Trump is “absolutely clear that this is a demand that must be met” – referring to the proposed ceasefire.
Zelensky sets out 30-day ceasefire proposal
In the last few hours, Volodymyr Zelensky has offered further insight into the 30-day ceasefire proposal he agreed with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Zelensky says is in the proposal:
- An unconditional, 30-day ceasefire starting from Monday 12 May “in the air, at sea and on land”
- “Monitoring its implementation is absolutely doable – in coordination from the United States, this is realistic,” Zelensky says
- Discussions on the “security, political and humanitarian foundations for peace” should begin during the pause
- If Russia refuses the terms for an unconditional truce, further sanctions on its energy and banking sectors will be applied
Zelensky says Ukraine’s EU partners are already working on a “strong” new package of sanctions in coordination with the UK, the US and Norway.
“It was agreed that a clear priority is strengthening Ukraine’s defence and security forces as the primary guarantee of Ukraine’s sovereignty and security,” he adds.
“A key element of the security guarantees should also be the support contingent.”
Starmer and Macron pay tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are continuing their visit in Kyiv with visits to a memorial wall for Ukrainian servicemen who died in the war.
They also joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a visit to the Saint Sophia Cathedral.
Positive and concrete call with Trump, Zelensky says
We can bring you more now on the phone call that the five European leaders had with US President Donald Trump earlier in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky describes the call as “positive and concrete” in a post on X., external
“We share a common view: an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire is needed for at least 30 days,” he says in a post, adding they proposed it begins on Monday but they’re “waiting for Russia’s response”.
“Once the ceasefire begins, there will be the best moment for diplomacy,” he says. “Ukraine is ready for meetings and negotiations in any format.”
France’s President Emmanuel Macron and UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer also posted on social media about the phone call.
Macron says the ceasefire would pave the way for a “solid and lasting peace in Ukraine”, external, while Starmer says “space must be created for talks on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.
In pictures: Five leaders meet in Kyiv
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK today and spoke to the world’s media.
Here’s a look at their day so far:
‘It’s very difficult to isolate Russia’ – Kremlin dismisses sanctions threat
Earlier, the leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland warned Putin that refusing to agree to a 30-day ceasefire would result in a new wave of sanctions against Russia.
But the Kremlin has now dismissed the threat, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying that Ukraine’s allies won’t be able to “isolate” Moscow.
“It is very difficult to isolate a country like Russia because we take a very large part of the globe. But this is not the main thing,” Peskov says.
“The main thing is that Russia actively develops relations with a large number of countries in all directions where they have interest in developing cooperation with our country. And we will continue doing so.”
What the five European leaders said – in 146 words
That was a very fast-paced press conference from the five European leaders – here’s a run-down of what they said:
- Starmer said Europe is “calling out” Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who now has the chance to show he is “serious about peace” by turning the VE Day pause into a 30-day unconditional truce
- He added that Ukraine’s allies will take action should Putin ignore their proposal – hinting at “new and massive sanctions” and spending more to help Ukraine’s defence
- Germany’s Friedrich Merz said almost all members of the so-called coalition of the willing are determined to impose sanctions if the ceasefire fails, with Poland’s Donald Tusk adding that current sanctions were working
- France’s President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine is the “beating heart of Europe”, adding discussions on potential deployment are ongoing
- Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has “no illusions” the ceasefire won’t be breached but agreement on a ceasefire with Kyiv’s allies is “an important step”
Stick with us as we bring you more developments.
European statements have ‘confrontational’ character – Kremlin says
We can now bring you some reaction from Moscow to the latest remarks from European leaders.
In the last few moments the Kremlin says statements made by European countries have a “confrontational” character, according to Russian news agency Interfax.
“We hear many contradictory statements from Europe. They are generally confrontational in nature rather than aimed at trying to revive our relations. Nothing more,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying.
Ceasefire is the main goal – Zelensky
Zelensky is now speaking, repeating that achieving a ceasefire is the main goal, adding: “First that, then everything else.”
He talks about the idea of a buffer zone, saying everybody is looking into options on “what to do with Ukraine”.
The leaders then step away from the lecterns and shake hands, talking with each other before walking away from the media.
Military planning ongoing to help Ukraine defend itself – Starmer
Zelensky is now asked if Ukraine would be ready to redeploy forces from the front line, and Starmer is asked if there are any developments he can share on deploying troops to Ukraine.
Macron starts answering the question, saying “this is work-in-progress”.
The French president continues, saying that once the ceasefire is agreed, there are a “number of steps we’re working on”, which includes strengthening Ukraine’s army.
“It will all depend on Russia’s response to our proposal and then we will work on the most efficient solution,” he says, adding it is “too early” to say what the most efficient solution is.
Keir Starmer answers the question next and says there are two aspects to the “coalition of the willing”.
The first is politics, with countries now reaching complete unity. The second is military planning, which is being carried out to help Ukraine defend itself. He adds that he is also looking at contingencies for the sea, air and land, as well as what the mandate will be in case of a ceasefire.
He says what’s important is to get to a ceasefire first, and today is the most comprehensive step the countries have taken in three years.
Consensus between some 20 countries – Macron
France’s Emmanuel Macron is asked if they have discussed the potential deployment of European troops,
The French president says statements from a Russian spokesperson came ahead of their meeting today.
As a reminder, earlier today Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine’s allies must stop sending weapons to Ukraine before any ceasefire can happen
Macron says there is “unanimity” among “some 20 countries” now. He goes on to say they are waiting for Russia’s response to the 30-day ceasefire proposal.
On deployment, he says there were discussions between military leaders and they will continue.
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky is asked about the resumption of military equipment from the US. He says Ukraine has signed a “very good deal” with the US and that Ukraine can count on US businesses to support them.
He also praises Trump for not stopping aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, saying this is important for Ukraine to defend its skies. He adds Trump did not stop sanctions on Russia, and he continues to count on his support.
The message to Russia: Accept ceasefire or face new sanctions
Sign up to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face ‘new and massive’ sanctions on your banking and energy sectors, as well as increased military aid to Ukraine.
That’s the message delivered to Russia today by leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland as they met Ukraine’s President Zelensky, in a gesture of European unity and solidarity.
After a virtual meeting of the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ – those countries and organisations prepared to ensure Ukraine’s post-war security – the leaders held a phone call with President Trump.
They then held a press conference, where they demand a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire begins on Monday.
“This is Europe stepping up,” Keir Starmer said. “All of us are calling Putin out. If he’s serious about peace then he has a chance to show it now.”
Russia has so far insisted that – before considering the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire – the West must first halt its military aid to Ukraine, something likely to be an unacceptable precondition.
The key question now is what President Trump does next.
Is he really running out of patience with Putin’s intransigence and will he impose threatened sanctions? Or will he throw the Russian President a lifeline and cut a deal, over the heads of Ukraine and its friends in Europe?
Unity on ceasefire is greatest we’ve seen – Starmer
ITV now asks Starmer if he thinks Russia’s President Vladimir Putin wants peace and, if not, why does he think sanctions on Russia will work?
“There’s only one country that started this illegal conflict and that was Russia and there’s only one country that stands between peace and that’s Russia,” Starmer says.
He says the unity between countries on the matter of an unconditional ceasefire is the “greatest” we’ve ever had.
Earlier, a German reporter asked Zelensky if he had discussed the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine with Chancellor Merz.
Zelensky says they’ve discussed strengthening Ukraine’s defences.
Russia is waiting for sanctions to be lifted – Tusk
The media are now asking questions.
One journalist asks how fast members of the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ can adopt new sanctions, if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire.
Donald Tusk says the current sanctions are working, adding that “if it weren’t for sanctions, the situation would be comparably worse”.
“Russia is actively waiting for sanctions to be lifted,” he says.
We will wait for Russia’s response – Tusk
We’re now hearing from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who describes it as “symbolic” that the decision to have a ceasefire was made in Kyiv – which has suffered many “bombardments”.
Tusk says they will wait for Russia’s reaction, adding that no one will doubt who stands for peace if the ceasefire proposal is ignored by Moscow.
The news conference now moves on to questions from the media.
Merz threatens more sanctions on Russia if ceasefire fails
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is now speaking and says, if Russia rejects the ceasefire, they will keep defending Ukraine and continue to increase pressure on Russia.
He adds, almost all members of the EU and the so-called coalition of the willing are determined to impose sanctions if the ceasefire fails.
Earlier, he said he wants to send a message of their “determination” to end the war between Ukraine and Russia “as soon as possible”.
More sanctions on Russia if Putin turns his back on peace, Starmer says
Starmer continues speaking at the press conference in Kyiv.
He says the five European leaders in Kyiv are clear. If Putin turns his back on peace, they will respond, including increasing sanctions and spending more to help Ukraine’s defence, Starmer says.
He adds the UK wants to help Ukraine look to the future with confidence, aiming to boost its economy with the help of UK experts.
Europe and US ‘calling Putin out’- Starmer
Starmer is now speaking, saying that we stand with Ukraine to get the “just and lasting peace” that it “deserves”.
“All of us here, together with the US are calling Putin out,” he says.
Starmer adds that, if the Russian leader is “serious about peace”, he has the “chance to show it now” by extending the VE Day pause in fighting to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire with negotiations to follow.
“No ifs, not buts,” Starmer adds.
Macron repeats call for 30-day ceasefire
Macron says Zelensky agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in Jeddah, and US President Donald Trump repeated his support two days ago.
Macron adds that there is now stronger international backing, and the ceasefire would cover sea, land and air.
He also says that if the ceasefire is broken, major sanctions will be prepared and coordinated between European countries and the US.
Future of Europe at stake -Macron
France’s President Emmanuel Macron says he is “pleased” to stand with the Ukrainian people and their President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He says that today, Ukraine is the “beating heart of Europe” with its efforts to fight for freedom.
Macron continues, saying that the “future of our principles and collective security” are “at stake”, adding that that is the reason why he is supporting Ukraine.
Kyiv news conference about to start
We’re now hearing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders who have gathered in Kyiv for peace talks.
Stay with us as we bring you all the key updates.
30-day ceasefire ‘will start process for ending’ war, US envoy says
Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine has just posted on X backing the call for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
Keith Kellogg retweeted an earlier group photo of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
He writes: “A comprehensive (air, land, sea, infrastructure) ceasefire for 30 days will start the process for ending the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II.
” As [President Trump] has repeatedly said, stop the killing now.”
Trump call came after ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting
Ukraine has hosted a virtual meeting of the ‘coalition of the willing’, a group of predominantly European nations who want to support Ukraine if a ceasefire with Russia is agreed.
The meeting was hosted from the Presidential Palace in Kyiv, with President Zelensky.
Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk and Friedrich Merz were present in person and other leaders joined by video call.
Those who joined included Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Mark Carney of Canada, the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Mark Rutte, the secretary-general of Nato.
The group agreed to call for a 30-day ceasefire beginning on Monday, originally a US proposal. It was following that meeting that the phone call between President Trump and the leaders present in Kyiv took place.
Kyiv meeting reaffirms Western military support for Ukraine
If diplomacy alone could end this war, then the fighting in Ukraine would probably stop tomorrow.
Today brought the leaders of some of Kyiv’s biggest backers in Europe to the Ukrainian capital.
Arriving by train together, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Macron and Chancellor Merz were joined by Poland’s Donald Tusk as they met Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
They then held a virtual meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing – a group of leaders from those countries and organisations prepared to help protect Ukraine’s security once the war ends.
That, in turn, was followed by a phone call to President Trump described as ‘productive’.
The intended message from all this is simple: that Russia must agree to the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire or face further sanctions from a united West.
But, the Kremlin, still basking in the afterglow of yesterday’s well-attended Victory Parade in Moscow, has pre-conditions. It wants all outside military aid to Ukraine to stop first. That’s a non-starter as Ukraine’s allies are not about to abandon this country to further Russian advances.
If anything, today has reaffirmed Western military support for Kyiv.
‘Coalition of the willing’ leaders back call for 30-day ceasefire
As we’ve been reporting, a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing” took place earlier this morning.
Since then, some of the leaders who joined have shared their thoughts on social media. Here are some key comments:
- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “I was very glad to take part in the leaders’ call on Ukraine. We need an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, as a first step to a just and lasting peace agreement”
- Ilie Bolojan, interim President of Romania: “All leaders supported the proposal for a total and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine for 30 days, as well as the need to maintain pressure on Russia, including through new sanctions if the ceasefire is violated”
- Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Estonia: “Estonia is ready to back Ukraine’s security guarantees. This is a commitment we all must share”
- Alexander Stubb, President of Finland: “Ceasefire to be complemented by monitoring mechanism and followed immediately by negotiations for peace agreement. Important to work together with the US”
- Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg: “Together with the US, we need to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on international law”
‘Shove these peace plans,’ says former Russian president
We’re starting to hear reactions from Russia after the meeting of European leaders in Kyiv.
Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and now deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, says: “Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk were supposed to discuss peace in Kyiv. Instead, they are blurting out threats against Russia.”
He questions whether the leaders really think giving Russia a choice between “a truce for the respite” or new sanctions is “smart,” and tells them to “shove these peace plans”.
European leaders and Trump discuss 30-day ceasefire from Monday
Keir Starmer and fellow European leaders have called President Trump from Ukraine to discuss plans for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia from Monday.
European leaders call Trump to discuss Ukraine ceasefire
Keir Starmer and fellow European leaders have called President Trump from Kyiv as they hold peace talks on the war in Ukraine.
After a virtual meeting of the coalition of the willing, the prime minister, along with Ukrainian President Zelensky, French President Macron, German Chancellor Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, called Trump to update him on their support for the US proposal.
EU ready to impose ‘biting sanctions’ if potential ceasefire breached – von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has released a statement on X reiterating her support for a “full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire”.
She says the “Coalition of the willing convened” and the 30-day ceasefire is meant to “pave the way for meaningful peace negotiations”.
Von der Leyen warns that if the potential ceasefire is broken, the EU is ready to “impose further biting sanctions”.
“Our objective is clear: a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, which is vital for security and stability across our continent,” she adds.
‘No point trying to scare us with sanctions,’ says Kremlin spokesman
As European leaders discuss a ceasefire and possible further sanctions on Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russia is already “used to sanctions”.
“We know what to do to minimise their impact after these sanctions are announced. We have learnt to do this. There is no point in trying to scare us with these sanctions,” he says.
He also says some Europeans are irritated that several leaders chose to celebrate Victory Day with Russia.
Yesterday, more than 20 world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, joined Putin at the ceremony commemorating World War Two.
Peace in Ukraine is step towards security in UK, says Starmer
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just tweeted about his meeting in Kyiv today.
“Russia must agree to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Starmer says.
Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
“Every step we take towards that is another step towards security and prosperity in the UK”
What chance is there of a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Not much, despite the presence of four major European leaders in Kyiv today.
Russia has already indicated it will not even consider America’s proposed 30-day ceasefire unless the West halts arms supplies to Ukraine.
That’s a non-starter. In fact, quite the opposite is happening with renewed pledges of military hardware and ammunition coming from European nations. Ukraine believes that only hard pressure on Moscow will work, notably in the form of those secondary sanctions that President Trump alluded to recently.
If those were applied then it would impact Russia’s ability to keep funding its military campaign against Ukraine and reduce its capacity for luring new recruits with the promise of cash bonuses. But, this depends heavily on Donald Trump’s mood and on whether he considers Russia or Ukraine to be the obstacle to peace on any given day.
Meanwhile, it is quite likely that President Zelensky will use today’s leaders’ visit to ask Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Merz to speed up the delivery of long-range Taurus cruise missiles. Ukraine says it needs weapons like these to be able to hit the bases across the border from which Russia is launching its daily attacks.
Germany will increase pressure on Russia unless ceasefire agreed – chancellor
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he will keep “increasing pressure on Russia’s war machine” unless Russia agrees to a permanent ceasefire.
In a series of tweets, he says leaders from France, Germany, Poland and the UK stand together in Kyiv to show their support for Ukraine. “The bloodshed must end,” he says.
In pictures: European leaders join Zelensky in Kyiv
We can bring you some of the latest images from Kyiv.
As a reminder, a meeting of European leaders is currently under way as they try to secure a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russian attacks reported in Ukraine, on final day of Putin’s ceasefire
As the Victory Day ceasefire declared by Vladimir Putin enters its third and final day, more Russian attacks are reported in Ukraine.
In northern Sumy region, an 85-year-old woman was killed, three others were injured, 19 residential homes and 10 other buildings were destroyed or damaged, Ukrainian police say.
In Kostyantynivka, eastern Donetsk region, one person was injured and two apartment blocks caught fire after Russian attacks. Rescuers who arrived at the scene were targeted by repeat “double tap” strikes, Ukrainian state emergencies service DSNS says.
In the southern city of Kherson, a 58-year-old local resident sought medical help after being attacked by a Russian drone carrying explosives, the regional administration says.
Zelensky ‘grateful’ for UK’s new sanctions on Russia
The meeting of European leaders in Kyiv today comes after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new sanctions on Putin’s so-called “shadow fleet” yesterday.
This term refers to a group of Russian oil tankers used to get around current sanctions on oil and gas exports.
In response, Zelensky said in a tweet on Friday that he is grateful to the UK for the “powerful new sanctions package”.
“Every step that limits the Kremlin’s ability to fund its war brings peace closer. The UK is once again demonstrating a leadership approach,” he said.
A visit drenched in symbolism, deliberately so
Keir Starmer and his fellow European leaders are here in Kyiv now, in large part as a response to the parade President Putin held in Moscow yesterday where he was joined by around 20 world leaders including Xi Jinping of China.
Within an hour of stepping off the sleeper train, Keir Starmer joined President Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Zelensky, with the First Lady Olena Zelenska, at Maidan square in central Kyiv – long a symbol of Ukrainian independence.
At a solemn ceremony, they laid candles at a memorial to Ukraine’s war dead.
What’s clear from speaking to senior UK government sources is that VE Day is weighing heavily on their minds too.
At the end of a week in which Britain commemorated 80 years since the end of war in Europe, Starmer is here in Ukraine to see a war in Europe.
Peskov says arms deliveries to Ukraine must stop before ceasefire can happen
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov says Ukraine’s allies must stop sending weapons to Ukraine before any ceasefire can happen.
Speaking to ABC News, external, Peskov says if arms deliveries continue, it will be an “advantage” for Ukraine, as the country “will continue their total mobilisation” and bring more troops to the front line.
He also says Ukraine is “not ready for immediate negotiations,” while Putin is trying to “achieve a settlement through peaceful and diplomatic means”.