Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
"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.
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.
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.
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."
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, Poland, on March 28, 2024. (PM Denys Shmyhal/Telegram)
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on Polish farmers to stop blocking the border with Ukraine, Polskie Radio reported on April 18.
The farmers began blocking trucksat several border crossings in February in protest of Ukrainian agricultural imports and the European Union's Green Deal. Despite ongoing negotiations between Kyiv and Warsaw, no satisfactory resolution has been achieved so far.
Polish farmers temporarily renewed the blockade of trucks at the Korczowa-Krakovets and Medyka-Shehyni crossings on April 18. The protesters are expected to block trucks heading to Ukraine via Korczowa-Krakovets until the morning of April 20 and cargo vehicles going through Medyka-Shehyni in both directions until early April 19.
Tusk said that Ukraine is in "an extremely difficult situation" after recent Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. Polish authorities cannot allow blocking of border checkpoints regardless of the reason for the protests, according to him.
"We cannot in any way harm Ukraine in a situation where the fate of the war is being decided," the prime minister said.
"I am counting on reflection and rejection of this form of protest."
The Polish government is ready to provide further forms of assistance to those farmers who have lost part of their income, Tusk said.
Polish state services will reportedly work "to clear the checkpoints," although, the prime minister does not think that there is a need for direct enforcement measures.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal arrived in Poland on March 28to meet with his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, and discuss agricultural trade between the two countries.
The two officials agreed to search for "mutually satisfactory solutions," such as a verification and control system for trade in agricultural goods.
Earlier this month, Poland and Ukraine established a Council for Cooperation to deal with bilateral Polish-Ukrainian relations and aid Ukraine's reconstruction.
Dmytro Basmat
