"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.
Zelensky's party head reveals 9 candidates to head ministries amid reshuffle
Head of the Servant of the People's party David Arakhamia on Sept. 4 named nine officials who are set to head Ukrainian ministries amid a major government reshuffle.
Arakhamia published a list of candidates for ministerial positions after the Servant of the People's faction held a meeting attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky. To head the ministries, the officials must be approved by the parliament.
According to the statement, Andrii Sybiha, deputy foreign minister, is proposed as a candidate for foreign minister. Earlier in the day, the vote on current Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's resignation was suddenly put on hold.
Olha Stefanishyna may head the Justice Ministry, retaining her position as deputy prime minister for European Integration, and Deputy Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk may become the new ecology minister.
Vitalii Koval, whose resignation as State Property Fund head has not yet been supported by the parliament, is proposed to lead of the Agriculture Ministry. Former head Mykola Solsky was dismissed in May.
Alexander Kamyshin will be promoted to the position in Ukraine's Presidential Office, where he "will continue to deal with weapons and infrastructure issues," Arakhamia said. Herman Smetanin, head of the state-owned Ukrainian Defense Industry company, is expected to replace him.
Among other personnel changes, the Veterans Ministry may be headed by Deputy Defense Minister Natalia Kalmykova, and the Youth and Sports Ministry by Matvii Bidnyi, who currently serves as an acting minister.
Mykola Tochytskyi, a career diplomat who was appointed deputy head of the Presidential Office in April, may head the Culture Ministry.
"At this stage, we need to strengthen the fight against disinformation, and we need a candidate with international experience for this task," Arakhamia said.
Oleksii Kuleba, deputy head of the Presidential Office, may head the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development, which is expected to be divided into infrastructure and regional policy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Reintegration Iryna Vereshchuk, whose resignations is yet to be approved by the parliament, will be promoted to deputy head of the Presidential Office, Arakhamia said.
Speaking of the reshuffles earlier in the day, Zelensky said that Ukraine "needs new energy."
"And these steps (reshuffle) are only related to strengthening our state in various sectors. International politics and diplomacy are no exception," he added.
Martin Fornusek
Most Popular
After 3 years of full-scale war in Ukraine, Europe announces plan to ban all Russian gas imports
Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports
Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs after Russian captivity, investigation says
After Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv, Vance reposts denunciation of Zelensky
Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian fighter jet in 'world-first' strike, intelligence says
Editors' Picks
How medics of Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade deal with horrors of drone warfare
As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home
'I just hate the Russians' — Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive
