"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.
India targets traditional Russian arms customers with cheap loans, Reuters reports
India is developing a new strategy to boost its defense exports, offering long-term, low-cost loans through its state-owned Export-Import Bank to foreign buyers, including those traditionally reliant on Russian arms, Reuters reported on April 16, citing officials familiar with the plan.
As global demand for military equipment rises, New Delhi aims to position itself as a low-cost, alternative supplier. The initiative includes dispatching more defense attachés to embassies in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, and having the Indian government directly negotiate some arms deals, multiple Indian officials told Reuters.
The initiative is focused on countries that have historically purchased Soviet or Russian weapons and whose military standards are often more compatible with Indian equipment than NATO systems. These countries include Brazil, Algeria, Morocco, Guyana, Tanzania, Argentina, Ethiopia, and Cambodia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is looking to double defense exports to $6 billion by 2029. Though India fell short of its $3.5 billion export target last fiscal year, defense sales have climbed sharply from $230 million a decade ago.
The expansion comes as many countries are reevaluating their defense suppliers following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has redirected much of its arms production toward its war effort, while Western stockpiles have been supplied to Ukraine, creating a global supply gap.
With its history of importing and adapting Russian and Western technology, India has started receiving more inquiries, an Indian official told Reuters.
Artillery shells produced domestically in India sell for roughly $300 to $400 apiece, a fraction of the $3,000 cost of European-made equivalents. Domestic firms also offer howitzers for about $3 million each, while the European version costs twice as much.
On April 7, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reported that an Indian-made component was identified in a Russian weapon system for the first time. According to HUR, a clock buffer produced by Indian Aura Semiconductor was found in Russian equipment.
Katie Marie Davies
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