"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.
Russia sentences Meta spokesperson in absentia for 'justifying terrorism'
Russia has sentenced Meta spokesperson Andy Stone in absentia to six years imprisonment on the charge of "justifying terrorism," Russian state news agency TASS reported on April 22.
Russia already declared Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, an "extremist organization" in 2022.
The case against Stone was filed shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as Russia claimed Meta "decided not to block calls for violence against the Russian military on its social networks," Russian independent media outlet Meduza said.
State prosecutors demanded Stone be sentenced to seven years in a maximum security prison, the maximum possible sentence for the crime of "justifying terrorism," according to Meduza.
As well as six years imprisonment, the court also ruled that Stone should be "banned from administering websites for four years," Meduza said. Since Stone lives in Washington, D.C., it is unclear how Russia plans to enforce the ruling.
Russian independent media outlet Mediazona reported on November 2023 that Stone had appeared on the Russian Interior Ministry's wanted list.
Other foreigners on the federal wanted list include Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Ukrainian Eurovision winner Jamala, the heads of the International Criminal Court, and Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency.
Nina Mishchenko
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