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."
MP Artem Dmytruk stands behind the rostrum during a regular sitting of the Verkhovna Rada, Kyiv, on Jan. 27, 2021. (Volodymyr Tarasov/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Controversial Ukrainian Member of Parliament Artem Dmytruk fled the country on Aug. 25 after being charged with assaulting a soldier as well as a law enforcement officer in separate altercations, the Prosecutor General's Office announced.
According to Suspilne, Dmytruk, an independent MP, was involved in two separate altercations with authorities. While in Odesa, Dmytruk, along with accomplices, allegedly caused minor bodily harm to an on-duty law enforcement officer during a dispute. The accused also allegedly attempted to steal the officer's weapon.
In another incident in Kyiv, Dmytruk, allegedly got into an altercation with a soldier, causing moderate bodily harm after delivering several blows to the head.
Dmytruk was not directly named by the Prosecutor General's Office, but sources within law enforcement agencies confirmed to Suspilne that the suspect was Dmytruk. No details were provided as to when the altercations occurred.
In a post on Telegram on Aug. 24, prior to fleeing the country, Dmytruk acknowledged that law enforcement officials conducted a search of the MP's hotel room in Kyiv, as well as his apartment in Odesa.
Dmytruk, without evidence, claimed that the search was politically motivated, as a result of his previously pro-Russian political views, as well as support for the Kremlin-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP).
First elected as an independent MP representing Odesa in 2019, Dmytruk later joined, and was was subsequently expelled, from the Servant of the People faction in parliament.
While serving in parliament, Dmytruk took a number of pro-Russian stances on various issues. A staunch supporter of the UOC-MP, Dmytruk allegedly posted bail for the priest of a UOC-MP who allegedly collaborated in support of Russia.
Dmytruk, in his role as MP, also reportedly took part in a ceremony honoring a group of separatists who died in a confrontation in Odesa with Euromaidan in May 2014.
Law enforcement officials told Ukrainska Pravda that Dmytruk fled Ukraine through Moldova, and took a flight into Rome, Italy the same day.
The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify any of the claims.
Dmytruk is charged under Ukraine's Criminal Code with two counts of assault, attempting to steal a firearm, and the "gross violation of public order."
Dmytro Basmat is a senior news editor for The Kyiv Independent. He previously worked in Canadian politics as a communications lead and spokesperson for a national political party, and as a communications assistant for a Canadian Member of Parliament. Basmat has a Master's degree in Political Management from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Nate Ostiller
