"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.
'Difficult, but not critical' — Ukraine's economy minister reacts to Trump's tariffs
The Trump administration's latest tariffs are likely to be "difficult, but not critical" for Ukraine's economy, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 3, voicing hope for hammering out more favorable conditions with the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping list of "reciprocial tariffs" on April 2, imposing a baseline 10% duty on all countries — including Ukraine — with even higher rates for major trade partners like the EU.
Ukraine's exports to the U.S. in 2024 amounted to $874 million, including $363 million in cast iron and $112 million in pipes, Svyrydenko said on Facebook. The same year, Ukraine imported $3.4 billion worth of U.S. goods.
Ukrainian producers sell over 600 different categories of goods to the U.S, according to the minister.
"Our tariffs on American goods are quite low — the rate on cars is 10%, on coal and oil — 0%," Svyrydenko said.
"Therefore, we now have a chance to agree on different conditions. The American statement clearly indicates such a possibility," she noted, adding that the tariffs will be felt most strongly by small producers.
Last month, the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum products imported into the U.S., though these commodities and other metals were exempt from reciprocal tariffs.
Steel production is a key sector of Ukraine's economy, the second-largest source of foreign currency after agriculture.
Some 60 countries or trading blocs were hit with additional duties higher than the 10% baseline, including the EU (20%), China (34%), and Taiwan (32%).
Russia, Belarus, and a handful of other countries were exempt from the list, with the White House arguing that the existing sanctions imposed on these nations already "preclude any meaningful trade."
Olena Goncharova
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