Prime Minister Tusk in Kyiv: We Call on Russia to Accept Unconditional Ceasefire
Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister
10.05.2025
From Kyiv, a city under destruction and bombardment, comes a call for a just and lasting peace. Poland, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine, and other members of the Coalition of the Willing are calling on Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. The ceasefire could pave the way for genuine peace talks. But if Russia rejects the proposal, it will face serious consequences - including severe sanctions. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Ukraine together with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During the visit, the leaders also held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Europe and Ukraine Respond to Russia's Shame Parade
Ukraine has a sacred right to territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty. The Western community of states stands united in defense of that right. On May 10, the day after Victory Day, the four most prominent European leaders traveled to Kyiv, where they called on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
"What happened over these two days is highly symbolic. Yesterday, the parade of shame in Moscow, organized by the aggressor, once again featured brutal, hostile rhetoric. A day later—Kyiv (...). A meeting that resulted in a call for peace, for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, starting Monday" said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The Polish Prime Minister emphasized that this appeal for a ceasefire and swift peace talks comes from a city being bombed, destroyed, and attacked by the aggressor.
"The readiness of President Zelensky and Ukraine to enter these talks with no preconditions is a great gesture. We do not know whether the aggressor will appreciate it, but all of us will know and remember who made a genuine move toward peace on such a significant day," he added.
The 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is expected to apply on land, sea, and air, starting Monday, May 12. It was also discussed in Kyiv during a videoconference with other coalition countries from Europe and beyond.
An Offer Russia Cannot Refuse
The ceasefire is intended to create conditions for real and fair peace negotiations. It serves as a test of Russia's intentions.
"If Russia rejects these proposals, then there will no longer be any doubt (...) about who is for peace and who is for war," said the Polish Prime Minister.
The leaders agreed that if Moscow refuses the truce offer, it will face consequences.
"All participants of the meeting, including President Trump, confirmed that if this proposal (...) for an unconditional ceasefire and immediate entry into peace talks is rejected (...), then we are prepared to intensify sanctions and further unite the West around Ukraine in its fight for independence," emphasized Prime Minister Tusk.
The same applies if Russia violates the terms of the ceasefire—should it agree to one. To prevent such breaches, monitoring of the ceasefire will be essential.
"Everyone present here (...) agreed that the ceasefire (...) will be monitored by the United States, but also by all European countries willing to participate," said French President Emmanuel Macron.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shed light on Russia's past reactions to ceasefire or peace proposals.
"It has been almost two months since President Zelensky agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. During that time, Russia has carried out some of the deadliest attacks of the entire war—including here in Kyiv," Starmer recalled.
Support for the ceasefire is not coming only from Kyiv. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also announced that if Russia violates the ceasefire, it will face even tougher EU sanctions.
Sanctions Have Already Hit Russia
Sanctions are working because they are severely limiting the strength of the Russian economy. That's why, during the Polish presidency of the EU Council, work began on a new, 17th sanctions package against Russia. In February, the 16th package was adopted.
"Without sanctions, the situation would be incomparably worse. Anyone claiming that sanctions don't work is, knowingly or not, advocating lifting them—which is exactly what Russia wants," stated the Polish Prime Minister.
The 17th sanctions package currently under development will address, among other things, the "shadow fleet" that allows Russia to circumvent existing restrictions.
The Free World United
The events in Kyiv show that all leaders of the free world who oppose using military aggression as a political tool stand united.
"The entire world—from New Zealand to Canada, from Iceland to Ukraine, the United States, all of united Europe, Norway—yes, we all spoke with one voice," noted Prime Minister Tusk.
He emphasized that the idea of a ceasefire and starting peace talks has united President Zelensky, President Trump, and the leaders present in Kyiv from Poland, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
Security Guarantees
The leaders also discussed how to ensure that any future peace in Ukraine would be lasting and just. The conclusion was clear: Ukraine must be strengthened to the point where it can defend itself independently.
"We agreed that the priority will be strengthening Ukraine's security and defense forces, as they are the main guarantor of security and sovereignty. A key security guarantee will also be the support contingent," said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that partners from across Europe and the world are ready to work on security guarantees for Ukraine—including operational plans and support by land, sea, and air.
The Polish government has repeatedly emphasized that its contribution to post-war stabilization in Ukraine will consist of logistical support for allied operations. Poland does not intend to send troops to Ukraine.
Polish Support for Ukraine
Poland and Ukraine are connected not only by the threat from Russia but also by a shared memory of the tragic history of World War II.
"For me, as the Polish Prime Minister (...), the opportunity to be here in Kyiv 80 years after the end of World War II is especially meaningful. From the very first hours of the Russian invasion, Poland has supported the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian state, and President Zelensky with all its strength. We are nations that still remember the terrible sacrifices we made during World War II," recalled the Polish Prime Minister.
Germany's new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, also invoked World War II in relation to what is now happening in Ukraine. He said that after 1945, Germany was given a chance—by the U.S., France, and the U.K.—to join the community of democratic civilizations.
"That great opportunity given to Germany is, for us today, a commitment to serve global freedom and peace," said Chancellor Merz.
Poles opened their hearts and homes in 2022 to millions of Ukrainians fleeing the war, while the Polish government opened its weapons warehouses.
Poland has been providing military, logistical (via the hub in Jasionka), and training support since 2022. So far, it has delivered 45 aid packages to Kyiv worth around €4 billion. Deliveries under the 46th package are currently underway.
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