Kyiv Tightens the Diplomatic Noose

Zelensky and European Leaders Demand Unconditional Ceasefire, Exposing Kremlin’s Stalling Tactics

In a calculated move to increase international pressure on the Kremlin, President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the outcome of a pivotal summit in Kyiv with the Coalition of the Willing.

With leaders from over 30 countries, the European Union, and NATO participating, the meeting produced a unified call for a full, unconditional ceasefire starting Monday, May 12. While this may not mark a turning point toward peace, it sharpens the spotlight on Moscow’s refusal to engage in genuine diplomacy and exposes any future stalling tactics for what they are—an effort to prolong the war.

Below is the full statement from President Zelensky:

“Together in Kyiv at the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing — five of us in person, joined online by leaders from over 30 countries, the EU, and NATO — we discussed what is urgently needed to achieve peace. The key outcome: a united and clear position on the following points.

Starting Monday, May 12, there must be a full and unconditional ceasefire – for at least 30 days. Together, we demand this from Russia. An unconditional ceasefire means without any conditions. Any attempt to set a condition or conditions is a sign of an effort to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy.

The ceasefire must be comprehensive – in the air, at sea, and on land. Monitoring its implementation is absolutely doable – in coordination from the United States, this is realistic.

Such a ceasefire should last for 30 days to give a real chance to diplomacy. During this time, work will focus on outlining the security, political, and humanitarian foundations for peace. We welcome that the demand for a ceasefire and a move to meaningful diplomacy is not only supported by Europe but also by the United States.

It was agreed that a clear priority is strengthening Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces as the primary guarantee of Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. A key element of the security guarantees should also be the Support Contingent.

If Russia refuses a full and unconditional ceasefire, stronger sanctions must be applied to its energy (oil, shadow fleet, fossil fuels) and banking sectors.

Preparations are underway for a strong 17th package of EU sanctions, which will be coordinated with the sanctions of the UK, Norway, and the United States. We agreed to continue working on the effective use of frozen Russian assets and to discuss this at the next G7 summit.

We agreed to keep strengthening Ukraine’s defense, especially the Ukrainian army. This includes both funding our defense resilience and investing in weapons production in Ukraine, in joint projects, and in European countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, we all spoke together with President Trump and agreed on our shared vision and our further joint actions. I thank everyone who supports a dignified end to this war”.

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