"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.
Ukraine strikes Russian drone launch site in Krasnodar Krai, military claims
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details about Shahed-type drones.
Ukraine struck the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airfield in Russia's Krasnodar Krai with drones overnight on Feb. 6, the General Staff reported.
"Confirmed hit and explosions in the target area. A fire has broken out. The results of the hit are being clarified," the statement reads.
The airfield, located 230 kilometers (142 miles) from the front line, is a key launch site for Russian Shahed-type drones used against Ukraine, the General Staff said, adding it also serves as a storage, training, and maintenance facility for aircraft operating in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.
Russian local Telegram channels reported explosions near the airfield following the strike.
"Strikes on the facilities involved in ensuring Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and terrorizing the civilian population will continue," the General Staff added.
Martin Fornusek
Russia has increasingly relied on Shahed drones, capable of traveling up to 2,500 kilometers, to target Ukrainian infrastructure and residential areas.
The suicide drones are highly cost-effective, and easy to deploy when striking long-range targets. To further overwhelm Ukraine's air defense system, Russia frequently launches Shaheds in tandem with ballistic missiles.
Originally imported from Iran, Russia began domestic production of the Shaheds in 2023, with the Yelabuga factory manufacturing 2,738 units that year.
By 2024, production surged to over 5,700 units in just the first nine months, according to CNN. Known as Geran in Russia, these drones are a cornerstone of Moscow's long-range strike capabilities.
Despite setbacks, including a December fire at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone warehouse that destroyed $16 million worth of drone components, the facility remains essential to Russia's drone operations.
Most drone attacks are launched from Cape Chauda in Crimea, as well as from Yeisk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Kursk Oblast.
Russia's drone strikes have violated the airspace of neighboring countries, including Romania, Latvia, and Poland, though these nations have yet to intercept the projectiles.
Tim Zadorozhnyy
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