Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with key European leaders in Kyiv as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Germany’s opposition leader Friedrich Merz are holding high-level talks with Zelensky, aiming to intensify pressure on Moscow for a negotiated halt to hostilities.

The visit is rich in symbolism, coming just one day after Russia staged its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, marking the end of World War Two. 

It also coincides with the final day of President Vladimir Putin’s self-declared three-day ceasefire—an announcement that Ukraine says has not translated into a real reduction in violence.

Ukrainian officials report continued Russian drone strikes across the country, including one in the northern Sumy region that killed an 85-year-old woman. 

Despite diplomatic manoeuvring, there has been no pause in the fighting along the eastern front, according to on-the-ground reports.

BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner writes that the front lines remain “intensely active,” casting doubt on the effectiveness of Russia's temporary ceasefire declaration.

European leaders are expected to reaffirm their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and discuss further military and humanitarian aid. The talks also aim to reinforce a united Western stance ahead of upcoming NATO and EU summits.

While hopes for an immediate ceasefire remain uncertain, the presence of these leaders in Kyiv sends a strong signal of solidarity—and a reminder that the war continues to have global resonance.

Source: BBC

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