The leaders of four countries that support Ukraine hopped on a train.  They were on their way to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.  This meeting was not just any meeting.  It was a long journey that took more than nine hours.  The trip happened right after Russia's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, turned down calls for a longer ceasefire.  He said Russia would not agree unless the West stopped helping Ukraine with military support.

    The leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and Poland had a lot to discuss.  They sat down with Zelenskyy in his Mariinsky Palace.  The talk lasted for three hours.  French President Emmanuel Macron took charge.  He called U. S. President Trump on his mobile phone.  The other leaders joined in the call.  They filled Trump in on their discussion with Zelenskyy.  Trump was still in bed when the call came in.  It was before 7 a. m. in Washington.  But he picked up the phone anyway.  He agreed to back the European leaders' demands.  This is what two officials who know about the situation said.

    Macron spoke to reporters after the call.  He said the ceasefire plan would have a big role for the United States.  All European countries would also help out.  This plan would start talks right away.  The talks would be about making a strong and lasting peace.  This includes talking about territories, important energy structures, and security promises.

    Macron had strong words for Russia's demands.  He said any conditions Russia tries to put on the peace process are just stalling tactics.  They are ways to avoid real peace.  Macron's words were a direct challenge to Russia's demands.  He made it clear that Europe and the U. S. are working together.  They want to push for a ceasefire without any conditions.  This is a big deal.  It shows that Europe and the U. S. are united in their support for Ukraine.  They are willing to put pressure on Russia to make it happen.

    The leaders' visit to Ukraine was a show of support.  They came together to stand with Ukraine.  They want to help bring peace to the region.  The call to Trump was a smart move.  It showed that Europe and the U. S. are on the same page.  They are working together to push for a ceasefire.  The plan for the ceasefire is a good start.  It includes oversight from the U. S. and help from all European countries.  This could be the way to start talks for a lasting peace.  But it will not be easy.  Russia has made it clear that it will not give in without a fight.  The leaders from Europe and the U. S. will have to stay strong.  They will have to keep pushing for peace, even if it means standing up to Russia.

European Leaders Team Up to Push for Peace in Ukraine

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