"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.
Denmark unveils new aid for Ukraine worth almost $1 billion
The Danish government approved its 25th package of military assistance to Ukraine worth 6.7 billion Danish kroner ($970 million), which will provide support to Ukraine from 2025 until 2027, the Danish Defense Ministry announced on April 3.
The package, funded through the Danish Ukraine Fund, includes air defense equipment, artillery, and financial assistance to the Ukrainian Air Force.
"The security situation is evolving rapidly. Therefore, Denmark must continue its massive support to Ukraine. From the start of the war, Denmark has been among the countries leading the way in donations," Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said.
"With the 25th donation package, we emphasize our support for Ukraine in both the short and long term," Poulsen added.
The assistance program includes the allocation of 1.4 billion Danish kroner ($203 million) until 2027 for the purchase of artillery and ammunition in cooperation with allies. Additional funds are allocated for air defenses, the drone coalition, and the IT coalition.
Denmark will also invest 2 billion Danish kroner ($290 million) in Ukraine's defense industry, according to the statement.
"The Danish model has shown that there is a Ukrainian capacity to produce and deliver equipment for the Ukrainian fight for freedom. Denmark must continue to invest in this, and I hope that other countries will follow our example to an even greater extent," Poulsen said
At the end of September 2024, Denmark announced it would invest 4.2 billion Danish kroner ($630 million) in the Ukrainian defense industry.
Copenhagen pioneered the so-called Danish model of purchasing weapons for Ukraine directly from Ukrainian producers. In January, Denmark reserved 135 million euros ($139 million) for further purchases under the Danish model this year.
Dominic Culverwell
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