The meeting with the "coalition of the willing", about 30 Western countries that have committed to continued and deepened support to Ukraine, takes place digitally, with the four visiting heads of government present in Kyiv.
This is the first time the four are present in Ukraine for a joint visit. For newly appointed Merz, it is the first visit as Federal Chancellor, and Macron has not been in the country since 2022.
Warning to Russia
The coalition is urging Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. In an interview with German Bild, Merz warns Russia of what will happen otherwise:
There will be a massive tightening of sanctions and the comprehensive support to Ukraine will continue – politically, of course, but also financially, he says.
Macron is urging Russia and Ukraine to hold direct negotiations if the proposal for a ceasefire is realized.
We are ready to help, said the President to French TF1 and LCI on the train to Kyiv.
European Force
The leaders are also saying that the support to Ukraine will increase "until Russia agrees to a lasting ceasefire".
On the agenda for Saturday is, among other things, a European force that will be able to support Ukraine security-wise when the war is over.
It is not impossible that questions about arms deliveries will become a topic of discussion. Merz has, for example, opened up for sending the Swedish-German cruise missile Taurus, which weighs 1.4 tons and has a range of 50 miles, to Ukraine.
