"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's Modi declines Putin's invitation to Moscow Victory Day parade
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declined Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 30, according to state-run RIA Novosti.
Peskov confirmed that while India "will be represented," it will not be at the highest level. He not specify the prime minister's reasons for refusing the invitation.
India, which has emerged as Russia's largest buyer of discounted oil products amid Western sanctions, has maintained a neutral stance on Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
Modi received the official invitation in early April, and the Russian state news agency TASS had previously suggested his participation was "very likely," including possible involvement by the Indian military in the Red Square parade.
Peskov added that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the parade and make a separate bilateral visit. Russia expects leaders from 20 countries for this year's Victory Day celebrations.
Last year, only nine foreign leaders joined Putin at the parade.
China has deepened its partnership with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, becoming Moscow's primary supplier of dual-use goods critical to Russia's defense industry.
Earlier in April, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk Oblast. President Volodymyr Zelensky later said "several hundred" Chinese citizens were fighting alongside Russian forces.
The Kremlin uses the annual Victory Day parade to showcase its military power and invoke Soviet World War II victories to justify its aggression against Ukraine.
Putin has repeatedly used false claims about "de-Nazifying" Ukraine to legitimize the invasion — a key element in Russia's disinformation campaign.
In contrast, Ukraine has distanced itself from Soviet-era commemorations. Zelensky signed a law in 2023 moving Ukraine's World War II remembrance to May 8, in line with most of Europe.
Kyiv has invited top European Union officials to visit Ukraine on May 9, in a symbolic counter to Moscow's parade, Politico reported on April 14.
Putin recently announced a "humanitarian" ceasefire from May 8 to May 11 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Tim Zadorozhnyy
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