"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.
The announcement follows mounting fears that the two nuclear-armed countries were on the brink of engaging in another full-scale war.
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.
The visit marks Merz’s first trip to Ukraine, and the first time all four leaders have travelled there together.
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.
"As in the past, it is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace," the EU's statement reads.
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."
The number includes 1,310 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
Delayed cluster munitions explode in Kyiv after Russian drone attack, woman injured, Klitschko says
Delayed cluster munitions exploded in a forest park area in Kyiv on May 1 following an overnight Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, injuring one woman, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said.
Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko said "about 10 explosions" were recorded near the park, with an additional blast damaging the roof of a residential building.
Tkachenko added that the detonations likely stemmed from cluster munitions scattered by Russian drones, although confirmation will depend on results from an expert examination. Klitschko said the explosions "went off with a delay."
Sappers, emergency responders, and medics are working at the site, while police units are securing the area to prevent civilian access.
Last month the State Emergency Service of Ukraine warned of Russian drones dropping explosive objects, saying the "risk is extremely high also because the time of explosion of such munitions is unknown."
The overnight attack on Ukraine saw Russia launch 170 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Ukrainian defenses intercepted 74 drones, while 68 disappeared from radar, likely used as decoys to overwhelm air defense systems. The attack was countered using a mix of electronic warfare units, anti-aircraft missile systems, aviation, and mobile fire groups.
Cluster munitions disperse multiple submunitions over wide areas and pose severe risks to civilians both during and long after attacks.
Their use in populated zones can constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.
Katie Marie Davies
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