"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.
Trump's DC attorney pick made over 150 appearances on Kremlin propaganda outlets
U.S. President Donald Trump's candidate for the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, appeared more than 150 times on Russian state-run propaganda outlets RT and Sputnik between 2016 and 2024, the Washington Post reported on April 16.
Martin frequently offered views on RT and Sputnik that aligned with Kremlin narratives, including echoing Moscow's grievances about NATO and the war against Ukraine. His media presence included appearances as recently as 2024.
In early 2022, nine days before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Martin told RT's global network there was "no evidence" of a troop buildup on Ukraine's border and accused U.S. officials of ignoring Russia's security concerns.
Just hours before the U.S. launched missile strikes on Syria in April 2017 in response to a chemical weapons attack that killed 90 civilians, Martin told RT America that Russian-backed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad may not be responsible.
Martin's selection to lead the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office — the country's largest federal prosecutor's office — has alarmed former national security officials. They noted the position holds broad authority over high-profile cases, including those involving espionage, public corruption, and domestic extremism.
Martin currently serves as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia ad interim.
A spokesperson for Martin's office, Neil McCabe, defended the nomination.
"President Trump made a brilliant choice in selecting Ed Martin to serve a full, permanent term as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia," McCabe told the Washington Post.
Martin's frequent use of Kremlin-linked platforms drew condemnation from national security experts who say such appearances help legitimize and amplify Russian propaganda aimed at undermining the U.S. and its allies.
The revelations come as Trump's administration pushes a rapprochement with Moscow.
While Trump continues to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Kremlin has ramped up deadly attacks, including a ballistic missile strike on Sumy on Palm Sunday on April 13 that killed 35 civilians.
Tim Zadorozhnyy
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