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."
Purported footage of the aftermath of a rocket attack against Belgorod, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, on Sept. 16, 2024. (Screenshot from a video shared by Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram)
A Ukrainian missile attack against the Russian city of Belgorod on the morning of Sept. 16 injured at least eight people, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed.
One of the victims is in a critical condition, while the rest suffered moderate injuries, the official said on his Telegram channel.
The city of Belgorod is the regional center of Belgorod Oblast, which borders Ukraine's Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk oblasts and is regularly used by Russia to launch strikes against Ukrainian territory.
Gladkov claimed that one house completely burned out, and 15 cars caught on fire as a result of a "direct hit." The attack allegedly damaged the facades of 21 apartment buildings and caused minor damage to four other houses. A gas pipeline was also damaged, the governor claimed.
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Purported footage of the aftermath of a rocket attack against Belgorod, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, on Sept. 16, 2024. (Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov/Telegram)
An apartment building, a house, and a garage were also reportedly damaged in the village of Dubovoe, just south of Belgorod.
Ukraine has not commented on the attack. The Kyiv Independent could not verify all the claims.
Local Telegram channels shared footage of burning cars and damaged buildings in the city.
Belgorod Oblast authorities have repeatedly accused Ukraine of launching attacks against the region and Belgorod proper throughout the full-scale war.
Recently, multiple clashes have been reported in the region amid Ukraine's ongoing cross-border incursion focused on neighboring Kursk Oblast.
Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He was also volunteering as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukraïner. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.
Kateryna Hodunova
