European leaders meeting in Kyiv on Saturday delivered a united message: accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, or face increased pressure.

Leaders from France, the UK, Germany, and Poland stated that their proposal for a ceasefire starting Monday had the backing of , with whom they discussed it earlier that day. Their announcement comes as efforts intensify to convince Moscow to agree to a truce that would allow peace negotiations to begin after more than three years of full-scale war.

The demand was made at a joint press conference alongside and nations forming the “coalition of the willing,” a group of over 30 countries committed to bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Those present included French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who traveled to Ukraine together for the first time on Saturday.

The proposed ceasefire would encompass a cessation of hostilities on land, sea, and in the air. The leaders threatened to escalate sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting its energy and banking sectors, if Putin refuses to comply.

Earlier that day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Kyiv and its allies were ready for a “full, unconditional ceasefire” for “at least 30 days” starting Monday. He also noted that the visiting leaders and Zelenskyy had a “constructive” call with Trump.

Saturday marked the conclusion of a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russia, which Ukraine alleges Kremlin forces repeatedly violated.

In March, the U.S. proposed a 30-day truce, which Ukraine accepted. However, the Kremlin has insisted on terms that are more favorable to them.

According to European leaders on Saturday, strengthening will be crucial in deterring Russia. This involves providing Ukraine with substantial quantities of weaponry to discourage future attacks and investing in its defense industry. Macron suggested that deploying a foreign troop presence could serve as an additional “reassurance” measure.

The French president stated that the U.S. would lead the monitoring of the potential ceasefire, supported by European nations, and threatened “massive sanctions … prepared and coordinated between Europeans and Americans” should Russia violate the agreement.

However, he added that details regarding potential European deployments to Ukraine were still being worked out. There was no mention of NATO membership, which remains Kyiv’s preferred security guarantee.

According to Ukraine’s Sybiha, the priority is to make the war too expensive for Russia to continue. He told reporters this on the sidelines of the event.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, commented Saturday that a “comprehensive” 30-day ceasefire, covering attacks from all domains and on infrastructure, “will start the process for ending the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II.”

Earlier on Saturday, the participated in a ceremony in Kyiv’s Independence Square commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. They joined Zelenskyy in lighting candles at a temporary flag memorial dedicated to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians killed since Russia’s invasion.

Trump has urged both sides to quickly reach an agreement to end the war. While Zelenskyy accepted the U.S. plan for an initial 30-day cessation of hostilities, Russia has not agreed. Instead, it has continued attacks along the approximately 1,000-mile front line, including deadly strikes on residential areas lacking obvious military significance.

On Saturday morning, local officials in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region reported that Russian shelling over the previous day resulted in the deaths of three residents and injuries to four others. Another civilian died in the southern city of Kherson after being struck by a Russian drone, according to regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron stated, “What’s happening with Poland, Germany, and Great Britain is a historic moment for European defense and toward a greater independence for our security. Obviously, for Ukraine and all of us. It’s a new era. It’s a Europe that sees itself as a power.”

Trump stated last week that he doubted Putin’s desire to end the war in Ukraine, expressing renewed skepticism about the possibility of a peace deal soon and hinting at further sanctions against Russia.

Progress towards ending the war has been slow since Trump returned to the White House, and his previous claims of imminent breakthroughs have not materialized. Trump has previously suggested Ukraine cede territory to Russia to end the war, threatening to withdraw support if a deal proves too difficult.

Ukraine’s European allies consider its fate essential to the security of the continent. Pressure is now increasing to find ways to support Kyiv militarily, regardless of whether Trump withdraws.