Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
"We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reported on May 10 that their law enforcement sources confirmed an ongoing probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into suspected embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.
Iran is preparing to send Russia Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers, Reuters reported on May 9, citing Western security and regional officials familiar with the matter.
"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged in private that Russia is difficult to negotiate with because they "want the whole thing," referring to Ukraine, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the comments.
A notice about the airspace closure was published on the U.S. Defense Department's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) website on May 10, as cited by Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming in an interview with ABC News on May 10 that it would be "an advantage" for Ukraine.
"Our involvement in the war was justifiable, and this belongs to our sovereign rights," North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said. "I regard this as part of the sacred mission we must execute for our brothers and comrades-in-arms."
Supporters of Ukraine celebrate after House of Representatives passed bills, including aid to Ukraine and Israel, on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, United States on April 20, 2024. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu/Getty Images)
U.S. respondents are split between supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, an opinion poll published by CBS News on March 2 found.
The White House has dramatically changed its approach to foreign policy following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 20. The U.S. leader and President Volodymyr Zelensky got into a heated argument in the Oval Office at a meeting on Feb. 28.
Most interviews were held prior to Zelensky's meeting with Trump on Feb. 28.
52% of respondents said they backed Ukraine in its fight against Russia. 44% of respondents said they were neutral, and 4% of respondents outwardly backed Russia, according to a poll by CBS News.
46% of respondents thought that Trump favors Russia. Most of these respondents support Ukraine.
43% of respondents believe Trump has treated Ukraine and Russia equally. These respondents overwhelmingly hold a neutral stance toward Russia's war against Ukraine.
Only 11% of respondents thought that Trump favors Ukraine.
Some 51% of respondents approve of how Trump has handled Russia's war against Ukraine, while 49% disapprove.
34% of respondents consider Russia an enemy and 32% see Russia as unfriendly, but 34% of respondents consider Russia an ally, or at least friendly.
Among those who identified as Republican, opinions towards Russia were slightly more favorable. 27% saw Russia as an enemy and an unchanged 32% saw Russia as unfriendly. 41% of respondents saw Russia as friendly or an ally among Republicans.
The poll found that 51% of Americans support military aid to Ukraine, and 49% oppose it. Among those who identify as Democrats, 72% support military aid to Ukraine and only 28% oppose it. Among Republicans, 32% support military aid to Ukraine, and 68% oppose it.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he is "for both Ukraine and Russia" during a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House on Feb. 28.
Talking about his role in negotiations to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Trump said he was "in the middle."
"I'm for both Ukraine and Russia... I want to get it solved," he added.
Volodymyr Ivanyshyn is a news editor for The Kyiv Independent. He is pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto, majoring in political science with a minor in anthropology and human geography. Volodymyr holds a Certificate in Business Fundamentals from Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto. He previously completed an internship with The Kyiv Independent.
Dominic Culverwell
