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."
Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov (left) and Hungary's Ambassador to Ukraine Antal Heizer sign changes to an agreement between the two countries on the control of border traffic on April 8, 2024. (Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry)
Ukraine and Hungary agreed on opening a new border crossing for passenger vehicles at Velyka Palad-Nagyhodos and expand the Luzhanka-Berehshuran crossing to allow for empty vehicles weighing over 7.5 tons, the Infrastructure Ministry reported on April 8.
There are currently five road crossings between the two countries: Chop-Zakhon, Luzhanka-Berehshuran, Kosyno-Barabas, Dzvinkove-Lonya, and Vylok-Tisabech. Only the first one can pass trucks with a weight of over 7.5 tons. Around 220 trucks cross into Hungary through this checkpoint daily.
The new changes to a Hungary-Ukraine agreement on the control of border traffic were signed by Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov and Hungary's Ambassador to Ukraine Antal Heizer, the ministry wrote in a press release.
"We continue consistent work on the development of the western border to strengthen export opportunities and ensure rapid crossing of the border by passenger transport," Kubrakov said after the signing.
Kyiv and Budapest are also considering building a new border checkpoint for cargo vehicles at Dyida-Beregdaroc and working on the introduction of joint customs and border control, according to Kubrakov.
"This will allow us to speed up control procedures and reduce the time for crossing the border," he added.
