Zelenskiy hosts coalition leaders urging ceasefire in Ukraine

Ukraine hosted a significant meeting on May 10, 2025, bringing together leaders from Europe in a show of solidarity and support against ongoing Russian military aggression. The meeting, directed by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aimed to foster a robust coalition of allies to establish security guarantees for Ukraine amid its three-year struggle against the Russian invasion. This coalition is largely influenced by concerns that American support may not be as steadfast as in previous years, pushing European leaders like Emmanuel Macron of France and Friedrich Merz of Germany to take a more proactive role in ensuring Ukraine's defense. The leaders underscored the necessity for a strong international framework to ensure future security for Ukraine against potential Russian military actions. They also discussed the complex landscape regarding a potential ceasefire, noting that this process hinges on Russia's cooperation and the reciprocal support from the United States. Zelenskiy highlighted that a proposed 30-day ceasefire, initially suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump, could serve as a crucial step toward achieving peace, and Ukraine was prepared to accept this proposition immediately. Despite a self-declared ceasefire by Russia that was to end on the same day as the leaders' meeting, ongoing hostilities and attacks continued on the front lines. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov reiterated Russia’s conditions for any peace talk, emphasizing that Western nations must cease their military aid to Ukraine. This added another layer of complexity to the negotiations and highlighted the fraying tensions that remain as leaders around Europe worked toward securing a viable path to peace. To further enhance their diplomatic efforts, the coalition leaders committed to augmenting pressure on Russia until an enduring ceasefire is enacted. They collectively promised to support the implementation of a ceasefire agreement, reflecting a unified stance among European nations. The gathering was not just a strategic meeting; it also served as a statement against the backdrop of Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent Victory Day celebrations, where he hosted numerous international leaders in Moscow. In this context, the European leaders aimed to reinforce their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity during a time of significant global and regional instability.