ISTANBUL 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday commended the Coalition of the Willing for proposing a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, following a summit in Kyiv with leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland.

“We share a common view: an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire is needed,” Zelenskyy said after the summit, describing his joint talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Trump.

At a joint appearance with Starmer at Kyiv’s historic St. Sophia’s Cathedral, Zelenskyy said: “We discussed the implementation of the agreement on a full ceasefire and the strengthening of sanctions against Russia if it rejects it.”

He also emphasized the need for effective monitoring and coordination with the US on the ceasefire.

The Ukrainian leader thanked Macron and Starmer for co-leading the Coalition of the Willing, praising their efforts to unite support among European countries and the US.

“Once the ceasefire begins, there will be the best moment for diplomacy. Ukraine is ready for meetings and negotiations in any format,” he said.

Zelenskyy said that the truce proposal originated during talks in Saudi Arabia and has since gained momentum. “We are waiting for Russia’s response,” he added.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European leaders proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine starting Monday, with monitoring to be led primarily by the US and supported by European countries.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia does not feel cornered by Western pressure over the 30-day ceasefire proposal, citing Moscow’s prior offer of a three-day truce and accusing Kyiv of failing to respond.

Peskov said Russia was still considering the proposal but warned that pressure would not work. He stressed that Moscow is “open for dialogue” and appreciates efforts by the Trump administration, yet criticized Europe for “confronting us very openly.”