"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.
Icelandic parliament adopts resolution on long-term support for Ukraine
The Icelandic parliament, Althing, adopted a resolution on long-term assistance for Ukraine from 2024 to 2028, according to a statement published on April 29.
The resolution aims to support the independence, sovereignty, borders, the safety of civilians, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction work in Ukraine, the statement read.
Icelandic Foreign Minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir submitted a proposal on Oct. 10, 2023. The proposal was approved by Bjarni Benediktsson, then Icelandic foreign minister and the current prime minister, and presented to the parliament on March 12 this year.
"With the proposal and the corresponding commitment in the budget plan, a strong foundation is laid for our targeted support to Ukraine," Gylfadottir said.
Gylfadottir said that strong support for Ukraine is "the most important security issue" for Iceland and Europe, adding that the international legal system is "threatened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
Iceland's support for Ukraine should be comparable in scope to that of other Nordic countries, the Foreign Affairs Committee noted.
In March, the Icelandic government allocated 2 million euros ($2.2 million) in ammunition purchases for Ukraine as part of a Czech-led initiative to deliver much-needed artillery shells.
Iceland also pledged to buy equipment for servicewomen in the Ukrainian military worth 500,000 euros ($541,855).
In 2023, Iceland joined two coalitions, the IT and mine clearance coalitions, formed within the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) framework, known as the Ramstein format.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
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