By Kazeem Ugbodaga
French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine, declaring that the war-torn nation has become the “beating heart of Europe” in its fight for freedom.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other Western leaders in Kyiv, Macron announced that Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire brokered in Jeddah — a move that has drawn broad international support, including from U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The future of our principles and collective security is at stake,” Macron said, underscoring that the ceasefire — which covers land, air, and sea operations — has the potential to become a turning point in the war.
He warned, however, that if Russia violates the truce, “major sanctions” would be coordinated and swiftly enforced by both European nations and the United States.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, also present in Kyiv, echoed Macron’s sentiments, saying the UK and its allies stand united behind Ukraine in pursuit of “a just and lasting peace.”
Speaking forcefully, he called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to seize this opportunity for de-escalation.
“If Putin is serious about peace, this is the moment to show it,” Starmer said. “No ifs, no buts. Extend the VE Day pause in fighting into a 30-day unconditional ceasefire — and allow negotiations to begin.”
Starmer also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to long-term support for Ukraine, pledging economic assistance and technical expertise to help the country rebuild.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added weight to the diplomatic front, declaring that almost all EU members and allied states are prepared to enforce sanctions should Russia reject or breach the ceasefire.
“This is a message of our determination,” he said. “We are united in our aim to end this war as soon as possible — and to defend Ukraine until peace is secured.”
The emerging coalition of support, which includes France, the UK, Germany, the U.S., and other EU partners, signals a renewed push to shift the war from the battlefield to the negotiating table.
